Hungary Adopts Trump’s Playbook with “Make Europe Great Again” EU Presidency Slogan

This slogan, reminiscent of former US President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign tagline, signifies a provocative stance as Hungary prepares to shape the EU’s political agenda from July to December 2024.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government introduced the slogan along with a new logo featuring a Rubik’s cube, described as “the essence of Hungarian genius” by Hungarian EU Affairs Minister János Bóka. The cube incorporates the Hungarian and EU flags, symbolising the dual identity Hungary seeks to represent during its presidency.

The slogan’s unveiling has sparked considerable debate, drawing immediate parallels to Trump’s famous “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) campaign.

“You don’t have the sense of déjà vu because of Trump’s slogan. I don’t know if Donald Trump ever wanted to make Europe great again,” Bóka remarked when questioned about the obvious similarity.

Hungary’s upcoming presidency is set to be a period of significant influence as Hungarian diplomats will chair key meetings and help drive the bloc’s legislative agenda.

According to Bóka, the slogan represents an “active presidency” and embodies the expectation that Europe should be stronger collectively while maintaining individual identities. It also underscores Hungary’s vision of Europe as an independent global actor amid a rapidly changing world.

Priorities and Controversies

The Hungarian presidency has outlined several priorities, including introducing a new competitive, “farmer-centred” agricultural policy, enhancing the protection of the EU’s external borders, addressing the root causes of migration, and improving the efficiency of return policies.

A significant focus will also be on advancing the EU’s enlargement process, particularly regarding Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine.

However, there are apprehensions that Budapest might use its presidency to further its national interests, especially given Orbán’s history of undermining EU relations with Ukraine and fostering closer ties with Moscow.

These concerns are amplified by Hungary’s recent actions and rhetoric. Orbán has openly expressed support for Trump and adopted similar nationalist and populist strategies.

In May, Hungary hosted the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest, where Orbán endorsed Trump’s re-election bid and echoed the MAGA slogan in his speech.

Trump and Orbán: A Continuing Alliance

The alignment between Trump and Orbán is evident. Trump has consistently praised Orbán, calling him “a great man” and “a fantastic leader.”

Their relationship has been marked by mutual admiration, with Trump hosting Orbán at Mar-a-Lago and maintaining contact since leaving the White House.

During a recent CPAC conference, Trump addressed Hungarian attendees in a pre-recorded message, commending Orbán and the Hungarian patriots fighting to preserve Western civilisation.

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