Hungary’s EU presidency worries research sector

Orbán government’s stance is causing concern, but R&I and education priorities are considered promising

Research and higher education groups are worried about the new Hungarian presidency of the Council of the EU due to the Orbán government’s generally fractious stance towards the bloc, but they see “reasons for optimism” in its priorities.

Council presidencies, which last six months, are expected to drive progress on EU legislation and policymaking by chairing meetings of the member state governments and finding compromises between their positions. They can also set some priorities, while taking cues from the European Commission and adjacent presidencies.