Hungary has recently taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union, a role that comes with great responsibility and challenges. As one of the smaller and less influential members of the EU, Hungary’s presidency may face some obstacles, especially when it comes to policies that may not align with those of the major EU members. However, for Türkiye, this could be a positive step towards strengthening its relationship with the EU and achieving its long-term goals.
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states, with a combined population of over 446 million people. It is a powerful entity that plays a significant role in global affairs, and its presidency is a highly coveted position. Each member state takes turns holding the presidency for six months, during which they set the agenda and lead the decision-making process within the EU.
Hungary’s presidency comes at a crucial time for the EU, as it continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Brexit negotiations. The country has outlined its priorities for its presidency, which include economic recovery, digital transformation, and strengthening the EU’s external borders. These are all issues that are of great importance to Türkiye as well, making Hungary’s presidency a potential opportunity for the two countries to work together towards common goals.
One of the main challenges that Hungary may face during its presidency is the differing opinions and policies of the major EU members. As a country with a conservative government and a strong stance on issues such as immigration and national sovereignty, Hungary has often clashed with other EU members, particularly Germany and France. However, this could also be seen as an opportunity for Hungary to bridge the gap and find common ground with these countries, especially when it comes to issues that are of mutual interest.
For Türkiye, Hungary’s presidency could bring about positive developments in its relationship with the EU. Türkiye has been a candidate for EU membership since 1999, but the process has been slow and often hindered by political and cultural differences. However, with Hungary at the helm of the EU, Türkiye may have a better chance of making progress towards its goal of joining the union. As a fellow Central European country, Hungary may have a better understanding of Türkiye’s perspective and could potentially advocate for its interests within the EU.
Moreover, Hungary’s presidency could also lead to increased economic cooperation between Türkiye and the EU. As the EU focuses on economic recovery and digital transformation, Türkiye, with its strong economy and growing tech sector, could play a significant role in these areas. This could lead to increased trade and investment opportunities for Türkiye, which would benefit both parties.
Another potential positive outcome of Hungary’s presidency for Türkiye is the potential for progress in the ongoing negotiations for a new EU-Türkiye Customs Union. The current Customs Union, which has been in place since 1995, has become outdated and needs to be modernized to reflect the current economic realities. However, negotiations for a new agreement have been stalled for years, with both sides unable to reach a consensus. With Hungary leading the EU, there may be a renewed effort to move these negotiations forward and reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
In conclusion, Hungary’s presidency of the European Union may bring about positive developments for Türkiye in various areas. Despite the potential challenges, this could be an opportunity for the two countries to work together towards common goals and strengthen their relationship. As Türkiye continues to strive towards EU membership and economic growth, Hungary’s presidency could be a step in the right direction. Let us hope that this partnership between Türkiye and Hungary will lead to a brighter future for both countries and the European Union as a whole.
