Successes and Recognitions during the Hungarian EU Presidency

Zsolt Kutnyánszky recalled that the seven priorities of the Hungarian presidential program included strengthening the European defence policy. He underlined that Major General Dr. László Sticz had commanded EUFOR Operation Althea until 31 January 2025, and his service was uniformly recognised.

“During the Hungarian presidency, we managed to draw attention to the security issues of the Western Balkans and Africa. Hungary also contributed actively to the activities of the European Union Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR), the EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES defensive maritime security operation and the EU Training Mission in Somalia. We made significant advancements related to the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). Besides, at the informal meeting of EU Defence Policy Directors, we had forward-thinking discussions about the current defence policy issues. Also, we accelerated the strategic supervision of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) with a high-level workshop”, declared Zsolt Kutnyánszky.

It was said that Hungary hosted the first formal Chiefs of Defence-level session of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) outside Brussels. The Hungarian Defence Forces also undertook an active role in the joint exercises of EU countries. The state secretary highlighted the Integrated Resolve crisis management exercise, Brave Warrior 2024 and the contributions to the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC).

In the second half of 2024, the Ministry of Defence organised altogether ten presidential events. The HDF supported the goals of the Hungarian presidency with further protocol and professional events in Brussels.

“Our programs were recognised by the representatives of the EU and the member states from both organisational and professional points of view. All these were carried out with the outstanding coordinated work of the Ministry of Defence, the HDF Defence Staff, the Hungarian Defence Forces, the Ludovika University of Public Service and the Permanent Representation of Hungary to the EU. Looking back, we can proudly say that we were successful!”, concluded his ceremonial speech Zsolt Kutnyánszky.