Search results: eu council

Aerial view of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, in 2021 (Wikimedia Commons)

Lithuania Takes the Helm — New Presidency Period in the Council of Europe

The Lithuanian presidency began with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė outlining the goals of the upcoming term. Firstly, she mentioned the importance of supporting Ukraine in defending itself against Russian aggression, which should be achieved by strengthening democratic institutions in Ukraine and providing further significant support for reconstruction. Secondly, she stressed that a higher level of accountability would be required in connection with international crimes. In this process, the CoE’s expertise should be utilized, for example, to establish a Special International Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

Péter Szijjártó speaking in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 19 June 2023.

Péter Szijjártó Responds to Provocative Questions from Ukrainian Member of Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly

Ukrainian representative Yuriy Kamelchuk demanded an explanation as to why Hungary had blocked the payment of the next instalment of military aid from the European Peace Facility (EPF) to Ukraine. In his reply, the Hungarian minister reminded that Ukraine has put the biggest Hungarian bank on their list of international sponsors of terrorism, suggesting that the Hungarian bank enables the Russian war machine. As soon as OTP is removed from that list, the minister declared, Hungary will reconsider its veto.

Orbán’s Patriots to Lead EU 2040 Climate Target Talks

The right-wing political group Patriots for Europe (PfE) will lead negotiations on the EU’s 2040 climate target in the European Parliament. PfE’s rapporteurship is a significant blow to progressive-green forces who have been pushing their aggressive and flawed agenda in recent years, and it represents a clear victory for ordinary European people.

Mark of Kalt, Chronicon Pictum - The First Arrival of the Hungarians in Pannonia (ca. 1360, page 7). National Széchényi Library, Budapest, Hungary

Huns Opened Europe’s Gates, Now Hungarians Unlock the East

‘Today, it [Hungary] functions as a crucial entry point for the West into the Turkic Silk Road and can offer a platform for deeper engagement and economic collaboration. With its established partnerships and extensive experience, Hungary is well-positioned to help other Western countries effectively engage with the dynamic and increasingly growing Turkic market.’

Denmark Vows to Ramp Up Pressure on Hungary over Ukraine’s EU Bid

Taking over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, Denmark has promised to exert maximum pressure on Hungary to lift its veto on Ukraine’s EU accession. However, looking back over recent years, there have been several similar threats against Viktor Orbán’s government, and Copenhagen does not have anything new to bring to the table either.