Hungary assumes EU presidency after creation of new alliance

BUDAPEST/VIENNA — Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on Monday for six months, with its focus on enhancing the bloc's competitiveness.

Janos Boka, Hungary's EU affairs minister, outlined the seven top priorities during the presidency, including enhancing EU competitiveness, reinforcing European defense policy, stemming illegal migration and formulating a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy.

These priorities reflect the will of European voters, Boka said, stressing that the recent European parliamentary elections sent a clear political message that "Europe needs change".