The future of the EU

The European Commission boycotts Hungary's presidency

The European Commission has decided to boycott Hungary's presidency of the EU Council of Ministers after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's visit to Russia and China. This is announced by the spokesperson Eric Mamer according to Euronews.

Normally, the entire commission goes on a visit to the country that holds the presidency, but now it won't happen. The Commission will also only be represented at official level during informal meetings of the Council of Ministers.

The message is condemned by Hungary.

"The commission cannot handpick which institutions and members it wants to cooperate with. Are all Commission decisions now based on political considerations?” writes the country's EU minister János Bóka on X.

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Roberta Metsola re-elected as Speaker of the EU Parliament

With an overwhelming majority, Roberta Metsola has been re-elected Speaker of the EU Parliament, writes TT. 562 voted for the conservative Maltese and only 61 for the opposing candidate, the Spanish leftist Irene Montero.

The new EU Parliament formally opened today. In his winning speech, Metsola promised not to make tough decisions.

- Russia's war of aggression is at the top of our agenda, says Metsola according to Politico.

Other issues she highlights as important are border controls, a more "human approach" to migration, strengthening Europe's industry and protecting women's rights.