Laszlo Koever, Marshal of the Hungarian Parliament, announced that the EU flag would not be displayed on the National Assembly building. This decision, transmitted by the Magyar Narancs portal, highlights the strained relations between Budapest and Brussels.
The Press Office of the president of the Hungarian National Assembly confirmed that it is not mandatory to hang an EU flag during the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Despite the rotational nature of the presidency, Koever consistently refuses to place the EU flag on the parliament building, which has been doing for a decade.
Viktor Orban's Politics
The decision not to hang the flag of the European Union is another component of Viktor Orban's policy, which frequently criticises Brussels. Disputes concern, among others, approaches to immigration, conflict in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. In consequence to these tensions, the European Commission blocks billions of euros for Hungary, which only deepens the gap between Budapest and Brussels.
Shecker Flag Symbol
An interesting aspect of this situation is the presence of the Shekler flag on the Parliament building. Shephers are a Hungarian-speaking community of about 650-700 1000 people surviving in the east part of the 7 Garden in Romania.
The Shekler flag, although symbolic for this group, is the origin of tensions on the Budapest-Bukareszt line. Fidesz politicians, the ruling organization in Hungary, argue that this flag will fly on Hungarian public institutions until Romania permits its free usage in its territory.
The yearly Presidency and the Future
Hungary took over the presidency of the EU Council on Monday, and after their word of office, Poland will take over. This six-month presidency is an chance for Hungary to have an impact on EU policy, although the decision not to hang the EU flag may affect perception of their function in the EU.
The Presidency of the European Union is the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which each associate State holds for six months. During this period, the country coordinates the work of the Council, sets priorities and negotiates on behalf of the associate States. The Presidency organises meetings, negotiates government and seeks consensus between the associate States and the EU institutions. The EU Presidency plays a key function in shaping EU policies, promoting its priorities and besides in representing the Council internationally. After the end of his word of office, the Presidency takes over another country.
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