Hungarians reflect on their EU Council presidency

Professor Gyorgy Schopflin MEP (centre) chairs a meeting at the European Parliament in Brussels. Photo: jb

“There is big relief all round in Budapest that it’s over,” Professor Gyorgy Schopflin, a Hungarian MEP told Polish Radio.

“It was a considerable effort, [but] in professional terms, people in Brussels are generally satisfied with the professionalism and the competence of the Hungarian presidency,” Schopflin adds.

In the opinion of Gyorgy Schopflin, there has been close co-operation between Hungary and Poland throughout the past six months, yet Poland will have challenges of its own, especially as regards to energy and carbon emissions, as the majority of Poland’s energy is still coal-fired.

In addition, “the [debate on] the financial perspective will really take off in the next six months,” Schopflin told Polish Radio, and while Poland “is geared up to handle” the issue, he expects tough debate with regards to the European Commission’s recently released budget draft.

Poland is also expected to come under close scrutiny by western journalists. “The fact that seven years on [Poland and Hungary are] still called new member states [reflects] western attitudes,” Schopflin says, adding that Poland may encounter a number of pit-falls during the latter half of this year.

“I don’t think Poland will be given an easy ride,” the Hungarian MEP adds, citing concerns over the EU’s energy policy and pushes to reduce carbon emissions, as well as a general election to be held this autumn.

While Gyorgy Schopflin is thinking positively about Poland’s EU Council presidency, he offers a word of advice in conclusion: “Don’t expect fair treatment, I think is the watchword.” (jb)