Every year on Sleepyhead Day, 27 July, JEF Finland calls out a figure who should do better on EU and international affairs. In 2024, JEF Finland wants to remind Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of the importance of cooperation and the values of the European Union.
Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the EU began in early July. The presidency trio of the Council should present itself as cooperative and open to the EU’s development, but Hungary’s Prime Minister Orbán has acted as a brake on cooperation. In addition, Orbán has weakened freedom of expression in Hungary, as well as the rule of law and the functioning of democracy. Since 2010, the situation in Hungary has deteriorated as Orbán’s Fidesz party has pushed through a new constitution that violates EU rules, made life difficult for independent media and human rights organisations in the country, and placed increasing emphasis on cooperation with Russia and China.
The Sleepyhead Day cap falls to Orbán, in particular as a reminder of the start of his Council presidency and the cooperation required within the EU. Undermining democracy and the rule of law would be reason enough to earn the cap, but JEF Finland is especially concerned about his inability to cooperate, which could cause disproportionately serious harm to European security.
“Orbán’s conduct is hardened and destructive. As his visits to Moscow and China demonstrate, Orbán is not working for peace in Europe. The coming presidency will reveal more. What is certain, however, is that there’s no room for troublemakers in the EU,” comments JEF Finland’s Political Vice President Nea-Bettina Baarman.
For more information
Nea-Bettina Baarman
Political Vice President
[email protected]