European, October 11:Up to now, the European Parliament (EP) has never witnessed a scene that is no different from a battle arena between the rotating president of the European Union (EU) and the president of the European Commission (EC).
The two main players are Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who will hold the rotating EU presidency in the second half of 2024, and EC President Ursula von der Leyen. The debate was characterised by back-and-forth, with the two men disagreeing on virtually every issue and aspect of EU policy.
This has split the EP into opposing factions. The supporters of one criticise and attack the other fiercely. Between Mr Orban and Ms von der Leyen , as well as between the opposing factions in the EU, there is currently no sign of reconciliation, compromise or concessions to reach consensus on policies and joint actions.
This is very disadvantageous for the EU and the EP. If this continues, as long as Hungary with Mr. Orban as the rotating EU presidency, both the EP and the EU will be in a state of paralysis, unable to adopt and implement the plans, programs, ideas and major projects necessary for the EU and the EP now and in the future.
This rare parliamentary event revealed more clearly than ever the depth of disagreement and division within the EU, which continues to make the EU difficult and awkward.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper