Minister János Bóka’s journey into the complex world of EU affairs began in Szeged, where he pursued legal studies with a strong emphasis on European Union law. Although formal EU law programs were not available at the time, János Bóka excelled in informal courses, showcasing his early dedication to mastering the nuances of EU governance. This foundation was further solidified during his tenure as an assistant in the European Parliament, where he gained firsthand experience in the inner workings of the EU. Upon returning to Hungary, his expertise was further honed as he took on roles in academia and as a senior advisor during pivotal legal disputes in Hungary's Supreme Court.
In his current capacity as Hungary's minister of EU Affairs, János Bóka serves as a critical advisor to PM Orbán on European policy, a role that has earned him the informal title of "EU sherpa." This position reflects the deep trust and direct communication he maintains with the prime minister, as well as his pivotal role in shaping Hungary's EU diplomacy. His responsibilities extend beyond mere representation of Hungary's interests within the EU but also include ensuring that these national goals are effectively pursued within the complex EU institutional framework. This task, as Minister Bóka describes, requires a careful balancing act—"playing the sport of scoundrels like a gentleman," a metaphor that captures his approach to the challenges of EU politics with integrity while staunchly defending Hungary's sovereignty.
In the interview, the minister also provided a comprehensive overview of his ministry's goals and the challenges Hungary faces within the EU. He articulated the ministry's primary mission: advocating for necessary changes within the EU to make it more efficient and responsive to the real needs of European citizens. According to him, Hungary's objective is to push for reforms that align with national interests and foster a more effective European framework.
A significant portion of the interview focused on the contentious relationship between Hungary and the European Commission, particularly regarding EU funds and rule of law issues. Minister Bóka expressed frustration over what he perceived as the Commission's shifting demands, which have led to delays in accessing crucial EU funds, such as those for the Erasmus and Horizon programs. Despite Hungary meeting previous conditions, the Commission has continued to introduce new requirements, creating an ongoing impasse. The minister noted that while Hungary remains committed to resolving these issues, the onus is now on the Commission to engage constructively and move forward.
In addition to addressing these specific concerns, Minister Bóka provided detailed insights into Hungary's financial position within the EU. He highlighted that Hungary contributes approximately €1.5-€2 billion annually to the EU budget and receives about €6.5-€7 billion in return, resulting in a net positive position of around €5 billion. Despite ongoing disputes over funds, he emphasized that Hungary's financial position within the EU has remained stable and the government is actively working to secure the remaining funds, particularly from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and cohesion policy allocations.
Discussing Hungary's broader political stance within the EU, the minister acknowledged the deep-rooted differences between Hungary's vision of the EU and that of the European Parliament's majority. He argued that Hungary's perspective, which emphasizes national sovereignty and a pragmatic approach to EU integration, should be viewed as a legitimate contribution to the EU's diversity of views rather than as an outlier. However, he also recognized that recent decisions by the European Parliament, such as the establishment of a "cordon sanitaire" against certain political factions, have further polarized the political landscape, complicating efforts to engage in constructive dialogue.
Hungary's EU presidency commenced on July 1, and Minister Bóka outlined the presidency's dual nature as both a responsibility and an opportunity. He noted that this presidency comes at a transitional time for the EU, with the institutional cycle ending and a new one beginning. This context, according to the minister, provides Hungary with a unique opportunity to steer crucial discussions on key issues such as EU competitiveness, security, and enlargement policies.
Despite criticisms and symbolic gestures of dissent from certain EU member states and institutions, he expressed confidence in Hungary's ability to fulfill its duties effectively and stressed that its presidency's success would not be hindered by these external pressures, as Hungary remains focused on maintaining a pragmatic and forward-looking approach.
In the broader context of Hungary's role in the EU, Minister Bóka firmly dismissed the notion that Hungary would consider leaving the EU, labeling such discussions as non-existent within the government.
He reaffirmed Hungary's deep cultural, historical, and identity ties to Europe, firmly stating that "our place is in Europe, and within the EU." He concludes that Hungary's security and economic prosperity are intrinsically linked to its EU membership, emphasizing that there is no alternative to Hungary's EU membership from any perspective—be that related to security, the economy, or identity.