During a debate on the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, local and regional leaders discussed the key issues of the Hungarian Presidency with Barna Pál Zsigmond, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of European Union Affairs of Hungary.
Csaba Borboly, president of the Harghita County Council highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to enhancing competitiveness in Europe’s regions. He noted that "regional partnerships are key to driving economic growth" and welcomed the emphasis on protecting the rights of minorities as essential for inclusive development.
József Berenyi, vice - Chairman of Trnava Self – Governing Region pointed out that Hungary's priorities address crucial issues such as climate change, stressing the need for a renewed approach to cohesion policy to ensure unity within the EU. He stated, "Addressing climate change and the protection of minorities require our continued efforts."
Juanma Moreno, President of Andalusia emphasized the critical impact of climate change on southern regions, particularly regarding water scarcity. "We need a common position and increased awareness because this will soon be a problem for all of Europe," he warned, calling for effective governance and European regulation to tackle this pressing challenge.
Rastislav Trnka, President of Košice Self-governing Region underscored the importance of addressing demographic challenges, adding, "Preventing the outflow of young people from our regions is one priority we are addressing through our innovation projects, such as the Košice Region Innovation Center, which is part of the European Innovation Valley." He concluded, "I believe that cooperation between regions and member states, supported by the Hungarian Presidency, is key to addressing these challenges and ensuring practical solutions for our citizens," reinforcing the need for unity in tackling common challenges.
Lastly, Brigitta Pallauf, from the state Parliament of Salzburg stressed the importance of finding a compromise between managing the coexistence of large carnivores and protecting biodiversity. "These goals are not mutually exclusive; we must seek solutions that benefit both our communities and our environment," he affirmed.
As the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU progresses, these priorities will guide discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering a more resilient and united Europe.
About the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU
The Presidency of the Council of the EU is held by each EU member state on a rotating basis. Hungary's Presidency aims to promote stability, economic growth, and social cohesion across Europe while addressing pressing global challenges.