What’s next in Europe? – Agenda of European climate and energy policy

Hungary takes over EU Council presidency

In an interview with French Le Point, Orban laid out the five priorities for the Hungarian presidency: migration, the war in Ukraine, the green transition, defence, and the "demographic crisis". He said: "The European Union has long claimed that the green transition was not in contradiction with European competitiveness, but would actually increase it. Clearly, the opposite is true. We need to rethink this green transition before it kills our industry." The official programme was presented on 18 June.

However, as the EU will likely need almost the entire 6 months of the Hungarian presidency to establish the Parliament and then elect a new Commission, there is set to be little chance for policymaking and legislative work.

The Council represents the executive governments of member states, and the presidency rotates among EU member states every six months. It is not only responsible for setting policy priorities and planning and chairing meetings among ministers and heads of government, but must also try and reach agreement on laws with the EU’s other legislative bodies – the Commission and the Parliament. Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called 'trios'. Preceding presidencies Spain and Belgium cooperate with Hungary. [More on the presidency]

After confirmation through a vote in the European Parliament, the Commission can start its term.

EU member state transport ministers come together for one of several regular annual meetings.

EU member state agriculture ministers come together for one of several regular annual meetings.

EU member state energy ministers come together for one of several regular annual meetings.

EU member state environment ministers come together for one of several regular annual meetings.

EU member state heads of state and government come together for one of several regular annual meetings.