We have a long and difficult semester behind us, but in light of the accomplishments and the feedback, it is clear: Europe has become stronger than it was six months ago, summarises Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the results of the Hungarian Presidency.

The Hungarian Presidency was morally obliged to support Croatia’s accession, President of the Republic Pál Schmitt said to eu2011.hu. The head of state highlighted that progress has been made, not only in strategic matters, but also in matters determining the everyday lives of citizens.

Assuming the EU Presidency in the second semester, Poland will draw strength from the exclusive historical experience of Central Europe, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said, when greeting his Polish counterpart on 1 July 2011 in Warsaw. Mr Orbán gave a speech before the ceremonial concert, which was organised to commemorate the commencement of the Polish Presidency.

The Spanish–Belgian–Hungarian Presidency Trio’s cooperation was formally concluded in Budapest, on 29 June 2011. In the past 18 months, the three countries have shared the objective to achieve “more” and not less Europe, in response to a number of challenges.

Enikő Győri Minister of State for EU Affairs, gave the Dutch Ambassador Robert Milders a time capsule containing children’s drawings, in Budapest on 29 July 2011. The drawings were selected from a competition that was organised during the Hungarian Presidency.

The past six months have been of key importance for the European Union and the Hungarian Presidency had to face extraordinary challenges, Foreign Minister János Martonyi said on 27 June 2011 in Brussels, in a press conference, whilst summarising the accomplishments of the Presidency. During the conference, Minister of State for EU Affairs, Enikő Győri highlighted the importance of cooperation with the European Parliament.

Competitiveness Council has achieved a breakthrough in the matter of unitary patent, at its extraordinary meeting on 27 June 2011. On the basis of the Hungarian Presidency’s compromise proposal, political agreement has been reached on the two regulations that are necessary for an enhanced cooperation in the area of unitary patent protection. Therefore, negotiations can start with the European Parliament.