On July 17, 2024, the Shangri-La at the Fort Hotel was filled with diplomatic grace as distinguished guests gathered to celebrate Hungary’s assumption of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Hungary holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. This presidency is part of a trio program with Spain and Belgium, focusing on seven key priorities aimed at enhancing European unity and addressing current global challenges. With this, Hungarian Ambassador H.E. Titanilla Tóth delivered a compelling speech, emphasizing the significance of Hungary’s leadership during these challenging times.
In her address, Ambassador Tóth underscored Hungary's important role in the trio presidency, shared with Spain and Belgium. She highlighted a keynote speech by Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, who eloquently compared European unity to the intricate lace of Brussels, emphasizing the collective responsibility to maintain its delicate structure. “Hungary takes over the Presidency at a time of extraordinary circumstances,” said Ambassador Tóth, referencing the ongoing war in neighboring regions, security concerns, illegal migration, and the impacts of climate change. She detailed Hungary’s ambitious agenda, which includes 1,500 working group meetings, 230 presidency events, and 37 high-level consultations, focusing on seven key priorities: a New European Competitiveness Deal, the Reinforcement of European Defence Policy, a Consistent and Merit-Based Enlargement Policy, Stemming Illegal Migration, Shaping the Future of Cohesion Policy, a Farmer-Oriented EU Agricultural Policy, and Addressing Demographic Challenges.
Ambassador Tóth also emphasized the importance of dialogue, noting that diverse opinions and debates are crucial for understanding and solving common challenges. The event highlighted Hungary's commitment to strengthening relations between the EU and Asia, particularly with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region. “Peace and prosperity in Asia directly impact European stability and competitiveness,” said Ambassador Tóth. She also mentioned the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon. Péter Szijjártó, who recently emphasized advancing free trade agreements and cooperation with ASEAN countries during his visit to the Philippines.
In celebration of the event, guests enjoyed a showcase of Hungarian cultural highlights. The iconic Rubik's Cube, a symbol of Hungary’s innovative spirit and support for European unity, Ambassador Titanilla Tóth of the Embassy of Hungary with DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega, Archbishop Charles John Brown, and members of the diplomatic corps Ambassador Megawati Manan of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam, Baby Soice Food Corporation’s Emelda Teng, Restaurant Owners of the Philippines president Eric Teng, Arkadiusz Jan Tracz, and Philippine Space Agency Director General Joel Joseph Marciano Mme. Roswitha Brieger, Ambassador Marcela Ordoñez of the Embassy of Colombia, and Consul Daniela Coman of the Embassy of Romania Ambassador Jaroslaw Roman Szczepankiewicz of the Embassy of Poland, Ambassador Tóth, and Ambassador Michel Monique M. Parys of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium was prominently featured. Members of the Philippine Cubers Association were present, inviting guests to engage with the puzzle that reflects Hungary’s approach to problem-solving and strategic thinking. The cultural showcase continued with a presentation of the Kodály method, an approach to music education developed in Hungary. Members of the Kodály Society of the Philippines demonstrated the method's impact on music education, highlighting its inscription as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Culinary delights were also on offer, courtesy of the Jammertal Wine Estate. Guests savored the award-winning Merlot from the Villány wine region, a testament to Hungary’s rich viticultural heritage. The evening concluded with a warm thank you from Ambassador Tóth, who expressed gratitude for the celebration held "10,000 km away from home.”
