Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently met with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome to discuss Hungary’s upcoming presidency of the EU Council. This meeting is a crucial part of Orbán’s ongoing European tour, which has already included stops in Berlin and will soon take him to Paris. The tour aims to brief various EU leaders on Hungary’s presidency agenda and gather support for key issues that Hungary plans to address during its term.
During their meeting, Orbán presented the main pillars of Hungary’s EU Council presidency programme to Meloni. The programme prioritises tackling illegal migration, enhancing Europe’s competitiveness, and addressing the declining birth rates across the continent. These issues are of significant importance to both Hungary and Italy, reflecting shared concerns and policy goals.
Giorgia Meloni expressed her satisfaction with the inclusion of these issues in Hungary’s presidency agenda. She highlighted that these are also top priorities for Italy, underscoring the alignment between the two countries on several critical matters. Meloni’s endorsement of these focus areas indicates a strong potential for cooperation and mutual support during Hungary’s presidency.
Despite the shared priorities, Meloni and Orbán acknowledged differing viewpoints on other issues, most notably the situation in Ukraine. This divergence illustrates the complex nature of EU politics, where countries often balance shared objectives with individual national interests. The timing of their meeting is particularly significant as it precedes an important EU summit, where discussions on high-level EU appointments will take place.
During the discussions, Viktor Orbán reiterated that his party would not be joining the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) political group. This statement is noteworthy given that Giorgia Meloni is not only Italy’s Prime Minister but also the leader of the ECR group. Her party remains a dominant force in Italian politics following the recent EU elections and is expected to pursue a top commission post for Italy. Orbán’s stance highlights his strategic positioning within the broader EU political landscape.
The meeting between Orbán and Meloni has important implications for the upcoming EU summit and the broader EU leadership dynamics. As Hungary prepares to take over the EU Council presidency, the support and alignment of key member states like Italy will be crucial. The discussions in Rome reflect the ongoing efforts to build consensus and navigate the complex political environment within the EU.
Orbán’s meeting with Meloni in Rome underscores the strategic importance of Hungary’s upcoming EU Council presidency. With a focus on illegal migration, Europe’s competitiveness, and declining birth rates, Hungary aims to address pressing issues that resonate with many EU member states. The engagement between Orbán and Meloni highlights both the shared priorities and the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a cohesive and effective EU presidency programme.
