Symbolische overdracht EU-voorzitterschap van Hongarije aan Polen (en)

The Polish prime minister Donald Tusk i has symbolically taken over the presidency in the EU Council from Viktor Orban i, the prime minister of Hungary. The event was held in Warsaw, in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister.

At a press conference following the meeting, Donald Tusk said “it gives us pride and satisfaction to see that our closest friends, the proverbial brothers in Europe, were properly leading the EU at a very difficult time”.

The head of the Polish government remarked that “we had been cooperating with the Hungarians in a duo on many issues under Viktor Orban’s leadership. I know I can count on his help and the support of Hungarian people during our presidency. Thank you very much.”

Orban thinks “it’s not possible to give any suggestions, because politics is mostly about improvisation and intuition.” He did share an opinion, however, that “Tusk is intelligent, well educated, and capable of doing a good job.” He added that “the role of the leaders is on the rise. Who heads the EU is going to be of crucial importance.”

The Polish prime minister thanked Viktor Orban for allowing the Eastern Partnership summit to be held in September in Warsaw instead of Budapest (as originally planned) during the Hungarian presidency, which was connected with the dramatic events in Northern Africa and Greece.

The joint sitting of the Polish Sejm and Senate, attended by president Bronislaw Komorowski, the prime minister, the speakers of both houses and diplomatic representatives added splendor to the takeover of the presidency in the European Council.

The President underlined the symbolism of the day, reminding everyone that “it was on 1 July 1991 when the Warsaw Pact was dissolved. From the Warsaw Pact dissolution to the Polish presidency in the EU - it is our Polish way, our Polish success in Europe.”

premier.gov.pl