We have rolled into the second half of 2024!
Not only has summer started, but a new country has taken over the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Following Belgium’s presidency, the neighboring country Hungary starts today.
Hungary is located in Central Europe and has nine million inhabitants. It is divided into nineteen districts and Budapest, the capital city, is a special district.
The Danube River flows through it, dividing the city into Buda and Pest. Budapest is also home to one of the most important river ports.
Their official language is Hungarian, which belongs to the Finno-Ugric languages. These are not like other languages.
Twelve minority communities are recognized in the country, including Roma, German, and Slovenian.
Hungary is known for:
- thermal water, springs, the largest European spa and the largest thermal lake in the world,
- Lake Blatno, which is the largest lake in Central Europe,
- one of the oldest subways in the world,
- folk music and composers such as Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók,
- goulash, paprika, winter salami, lángos, and chimney cake (Kürtöskalács),
- csárdás, which are characteristic taverns,
- csárdás, which is a national dance in traditional costumes, and
- success in water polo.
They manufacture vehicles, electronics, and machinery. The pharmaceutical, chemical, and textile industries are also important.
Also an interesting fact: Hungarians do not pay with euros, but they have kept their currency – forints.
Their EU presidency will run under the slogan Let’s make Europe great again, which is reminiscent of the former US president Donald Trump‘s slogan.

They want to convey that Europe is strong only if it is united. They illustrate this with their logo – a Rubik’s cube, which is made up of 27 parts, as many as the EU members. It was invented by a Hungarian!
They will advocate for economic competitiveness, the strengthening of the defense industry, peace and security, and the expansion of the EU, especially to the Western Balkans.
Poland will take over the presidency of the Council of the EU in the new year.
Points to Consider
- How many countries does Hungary border?
- Which city does Budapest remind you of?
- What else is happening in the EU these days?
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The original version of this article was published on 1st July.
