Make Europe Great Again: Hungary's Bold Motto for EU Presidency

Hungary has unveiled "Make Europe Great Again" as the motto for its upcoming six-month presidency of the Council of the EU, starting on July 1. During this period, Hungarian diplomats will chair crucial meetings in Brussels and influence the bloc's political agenda.

This slogan echoes "Make America Great Again," used by Donald Trump during his successful 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. Interestingly, Trump's attempt to return to the White House will coincide with Hungary's presidency.

János Bóka, Hungary's EU Affairs Minister, presented the slogan at a recent press conference, framing it as a call for European unity and strength. "It portrays the idea that Europe is able to become an independent global actor in our transforming world," Bóka explained, attempting to soften the slogan's potentially divisive overtones. He added that the cabinet’s goal was to carry out an “active presidency” for the second half of the year.

Accompanying the "MEGA" motto is Hungary's chosen logo: the iconic Rubik's Cube, a nod to Hungarian ingenuity as the puzzle celebrates its 50th anniversary. This blend of nostalgia and nationalist pride underscores Hungary's desire to leave its mark on the European stage.

Trumpian language
This isn't Hungary's first brush with Trumpian language. In May, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hosted the third annual American-style CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) in Hungary. During his opening speech, Orbán endorsed Trump’s reelection bid and adopted the MAGA slogan, saying, "Make America great again, make Europe great again!" Trump, in a pre-recorded video message to the conference, praised Orbán as "a great man" and lauded the Hungarian patriots fighting "to rescue Western civilization."

Ambitious goals
As Hungary prepares to take the reins, Bóka outlined Hungary’s ambitious presidency goals. Hungary’s presidency plans to introduce a new competitive, "farmer-centered" agricultural deal and aims to improve the protection of external borders to manage the root causes of migration and enhance return policies. Additionally, Bóka highlighted efforts to advance the EU’s enlargement progress, with substantial steps for Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine. Despite concerns that Budapest might derail Kyiv’s candidacy due to Orbán’s closer ties with Moscow, the minister emphasized Hungary’s commitment to these goals.

Traditionally, the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU requires a neutral stance to facilitate the passage of legislation. However, European politicians fear that Budapest might leverage this high-profile position to push its national interests and shift key policy areas.

As Hungary steps into the presidency with a slogan reminiscent of Trump's campaign, all eyes will be on how it balances its national agenda with the broader interests of the European Union.