Hungary presents programme for upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Hungary will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) from 1st July to 31st December as the last country in the current trio presidency. On 18th June, the Hungarian Minister for Europe, Janos Boka, presented the programme. Under the slogan "Make Europe Great Again", the focus will be on increasing Europe's competitiveness and defence capabilities, mitigating illegal migration and on a "farmer-oriented" EU agricultural policy.

Demographic challenges resulting from the ageing of European societies, unsustainable social systems and labour shortages are also an overarching priority. Many of the initiatives that are to be promoted or initiated in the area of health and social policy are related to the desired increase in competitiveness as well as the demographic and labour market challenges.

Labour mobilisation as a key challenge

The Hungarian Council Presidency views the labour shortage as an obstacle to economic growth. The mobilisation of the inactive working-age population is also key against the backdrop of demographic change. In this context, the Hungarian programme emphasises the employment policy objectives within the framework of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Particular attention is to be paid to the labour market integration of young people – during or shortly after training or studies – as well as older workers. The latter should be given the opportunity to work longer if they so wish. In particular, the Hungarian Council Presidency is planning Council conclusions on the untapped labour potential in the EU.

Improving working conditions

Furthermore, the Hungarian presidency emphasises the need for promoting work-life balance, better working conditions and high-quality jobs. These factors have a major influence on the mental and physical health of employees. They therefore also have an important role to play in addressing the demographic and labour market challenges. In terms of specific initiatives, the Hungarian Presidency would like to push ahead with negotiations on the “traineeship package” (directive and Council recommendation) and start negotiations in the Council on a Commission proposal expected before the end of the year regarding the right to disconnect and telework.

Further development of occupational health and safety legislation

Occupational health and safety will also be a topic. One focus will be on the implementation of the European Occupational Health and Safety Framework Strategy for 2021–2027. In this context, the Hungarian Presidency expects the publication of a new revision package of the directive on occupational safety limits for carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances in September 2024. This will also set occupational safety and health rules for cobalt, which is widely used in battery production.

Health promotion in the context of demographic change

In the area of health policy, the Hungarian Council Presidency wants to make as much progress as possible in the negotiations on the pharmaceutical package with the aim of establishing competitive, sustainable and patient-centred pharmaceutical regulation. Council conclusions on combating cardiovascular diseases are also to be adopted as a priority. The Hungarian Council Presidency understands this in the context of the overarching priorities of demographic developments and European competitiveness. It is also in this context that the Hungarian Presidency intends to address the practical issues of organ donation and transplantation in the form of Council conclusions.

Other topics in the area of social affairs

Over the next six month, projects for the Hungarian Council Presidency include supporting the current evaluation of the European Labour Authority by the European Commission, social inclusion with a special focus on the integration of people with disabilities and the reform of the regulation on the coordination of social security systems.