Welcome to Better Europe’s weekly update on EU Affairs.
ORBÁN’S SPEECH IN PARLIAMENT SPARKS CONFRONTATION WITH VON DER LEYEN
During a tense Parliament plenary session on 9 October, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán outlined his priorities for Hungary’s European Presidency which started in July, emphasizing stricter migration controls, energy cost management, and boosting competitiveness. He called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, as a military victory for Kyiv is unattainable in his view. While his rhetoric aimed to position Hungary as a stabilizing force, it drew immediate backlash from a large part of the hemicycle. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen challenged Orbán’s stance, sharply criticizing his close relationship with Russia and accusing him of undermining EU solidarity in support of Ukraine. In a display of support, far-right MEPs rallied behind Orbán, praising his hard-line positions on migration and national sovereignty. Viktor Orbán dismissed von der Leyen’s remarks as politically motivated, asserting that the Commission should maintain neutrality and act as the guardian of EU treaties rather than engage in what he presented as “political propaganda.” Viktor Orbán faces a political challenge at home, with opposition leader MEP Péter Magyar (EPP) only trailing 4% behind, according to latest polls.
ECOFIN COUNCIL DOUBLES DOWN ON CLIMATE FINANCE AHEAD OF COP29
Meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday, Finance Ministers adopted their joint position on climate finance to ahead of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November. With 2023 set to be the hottest year on record, the ministers reiterate commitments to triple global renewable energy capacity and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2030. The ‘Fit for 55’ package remains central, aiming to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. Climate finance is a key focus, with the Council noting that the EU and its member states will mobilise $115.9 billion for climate action in developing countries in 2022. They also committed to doubling adaptation finance by 2025 to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable countries. While calling for a global phase-out of fossil fuel finance, the Council recognised the need for a just transition for countries facing energy poverty. As COP29 approaches, the pressing question remains: will these commitments be enough to tackle the escalating climate crisis?
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT GEARS UP FOR COMMISSION HEARINGS
The Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee completed its screening of potential conflicts of interest for the 26 Commissioners-designate, allowing the confirmation process to proceed. Chair Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, Bulgaria) praised the Committee’s thorough and impartial analysis, which ensures that all candidates are fit for the job. The next stage will be the famous hearings, which will take place from 4 to 7 and on 12 November. In preparation for the hearings, MEPs have adopted generic and portfolio-specific written questions to be answered by the Commissioners-designate by 22 October. Once all hearings have been completed, the Committee Chairs will examine the outcome of each committee hearing and send recommendations to the Conference of Presidents (of political groups). It is this group that will discuss the results and decide on 21 November whether to close the hearings, or ask for further sessions. The final vote on the full Commission will take place during the plenary session on 25-28 November, with a simple majority required for approval to take office.