Luxembourg, 25 June 2024
Article 7 procedure concerning Hungary
As part of the Article 7(1) procedure concerning Hungary, the Council held a hearing.
This was the seventh hearing of Hungary as part of the Article 7 procedure. It covered all the issues raised in the European Parliament’s reasoned proposal of September 2018, which triggered the procedure. The aim was to provide the Council an up-to-date picture of the situation in Hungary.
The exchanges focused in particular on the functioning of the constitutional system and checks and balances, the fight against corruption, the protection of civic space, academic and media freedom, and the protection of LGBTIQ rights in Hungary.
Respect for the rule of law and our common core values is vital for the functioning of the European Union. Important concerns still exist in the areas covered by the European Parliament’s reasoned proposal. Article 7 allows us to address these concerns. It should therefore remain on our agenda until the outstanding issues are resolved.
Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Belgium
- Reasoned proposal triggering the Article 7 procedure for Hungary
- Standard modalities for hearings referred to in Article 7(1) TEU
- Rule of law (background information)
Interest representation on behalf of third countries
Ministers held a policy debate on the proposed directive on transparency of interest representation on behalf of third countries. The debate served to take stock of progress at technical level and to provide guidance for the work ahead.
During the discussion, ministers confirmed their general support for the objectives of the proposed directive and for addressing the issue of foreign interference. They agreed on the need to have clear definitions based on objective criteria in the proposed directive, as well as strong safeguards against stigmatisation and for protecting fundamental freedoms.
Ministers also recalled that this proposal is strictly a transparency instrument. The need to minimize administrative burden was underlined. While some ministers asked to have all lobbying activities covered, beyond those carried out on behalf of third countries, others called for an additional impact assessment of the proposal.
- Presidency discussion paper
- Commission proposal for a directive on transparency of interest representation on behalf of third countries
- Electoral rights and democratic participation (background information)
June European Council
Ministers continued preparations for the European Council meeting on 27 and 28 June 2024 by discussing draft conclusions.
At their meeting in June, EU leaders will address:
- Ukraine
- Middle East
- security and defence
- competitiveness
- the next institutional cycle
- other items
Future of Europe
Under ‘any other business’, the Presidency presented to ministers its progress report on the work carried out under the Belgian presidency on the Future of Europe.
Non-discussion items
EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms for 2021-2028
The Council adopted a decision on the signature and provisional application of the agreements on the European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms for 2021-2028. The two financial mechanisms will together provide a financial contribution of €3.268 billion to economic and social cohesion in the European Economic Area.
The Council also gave its agreement in principle and decided to request the consent of the European Parliament for the conclusion of the two agreements.
EU relations with non-EU Western European countries
The Council approved conclusions on a homogeneous extended internal market and EU relations with non-EU Western European countries and with the Faroe Islands.
The conclusions, which are usually adopted every two years, assess EU relations with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, San Marino and Monaco, as well as the Faroe Islands as a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark to which the EU treaties do not apply.
Joint security commitments between the EU and Ukraine
The Council authorised the signature of a non-binding instrument in the form of joint security commitments between the European Union and Ukraine.
The initial agreement that the EU and its member states would contribute, for the long term and together with partners, to security commitments to Ukraine, thereby helping Ukraine to defend itself, resist destabilisation efforts and deter acts of aggression in the future, was taken by the European Council at its meeting of October 2023.
Preparatory documents
- Background brief
- Provisional agenda
- Provisional list of A items
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
Outcome documents
Press releases
- EU relations with non-EU Western European countries: Council approves conclusions
- Council greenlights agreements on the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms for 2021-2028
- Critical infrastructure: Blueprint for protecting EU citizens and the internal market
- Ukrainian refugees: Council extends temporary protection until March 2026
- EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS: Council prolongs the mandates of both CSDP civilians missions until June 2025
Source – EU Council