On behalf of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib said she hoped that the 27 member states will reach an agreement on 1 February for the reform of the EU’s long-term budget, to serve as a basis for negotiations with Parliament. Regarding Hungary, she said the Presidency will continue working on the ongoing Article 7(1) procedure and announced that a new hearing with Hungary will take place in June. She stressed that assessing the implementation of reforms by the Hungarian authorities – to allow for unfreezing EU funds – is a Commission task. “We hope the dialogue between Hungary and the Commission will bear fruit,” Lahbib said.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s crucial role in navigating the world “in an era of confrontation and conflict, of fragmentation and fear.” She pointed to significant decisions taken by the EU, such as the new migration and asylum pact and opening accession talks with…