Magyar Posta Zrt. is issuing a stamp to mark the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. After 2011, Hungary will again hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2024. Thirty thousand copies of the miniature sheet designed by the graphic artist Attila André Elekes were produced by the printing company Pénzjegynyomda Zrt. The new stamp will be available at first day post offices and Filaposta in Hungary from 26 July 2024, but may also be ordered from Magyar Posta’s online store.
The Council of the European Union is one of the principal decision-making bodies of the European Union, and represents the governments of its Member States. The national ministers from each EU country meet at the Council of the European Union to negotiate and adopt EU legislation. The Council is also where representatives of the Member States coordinate the policies of the EU countries and shape the European Union’s foreign and security policy following the guidelines of the European Council. Furthermore, the Council of the European Union concludes agreements between the European Union and other countries or international organisations. Together with the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union adopts the annual EU budget.
Hungary held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time in the first half of 2011 and will hold the post again in the second half of 2024, the 20th anniversary of its accession. As in 2011, Hungary will be part of a trio of States, holding the Presidency together with Spain and Belgium. Under the Hungarian Presidency, Hungary will play a major role in the political governance of the European Union, in consultations and negotiations with international organisations and third countries, and in the operation of the Council of the European Union and its representation with other EU institutions. At the beginning of the new institutional cycle, the Hungarian Presidency can initiate debate and point the way on issues that are important to Hungary. The Hungarian Presidency of the European Union has identified seven priorities: improving the EU’s global competitiveness, reinforcing the European defence policy, implementing a consistent and merit-based enlargement policy, stemming illegal migration, shaping the future of cohesion policy, promoting a farmer- centred EU agricultural policy and addressing demographic challenges.
The official logo and design elements of the Hungarian Presidency are featured on the special miniature sheet issued by Magyar Posta Zrt., its accompanying first day cover and the imprint of the postmark.
