Getting to know the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency through open data
Open data provides insights into the EU’s demographic challenges, cohesion policies and market competitiveness
In July 2024, Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, one of the key institutions responsible for EU decision-making. Hungary’s term follows that of Spain and Belgium, marking the final phase of an 18-month cycle. This 'trio presidency' system allows for continuity and coordinated progress, as each country builds on the work of its predecessors while advancing its own priorities. For further insights into Spain’s and Belgium’s presidencies, explore previous data stories.
During their trio presidency, Spain, Belgium and Hungary have collaborated to address shared challenges. Key priorities include enhancing the EU’s resilience and strategic autonomy, advancing the green and digital transitions, ensuring fairness and inclusivity in these transitions and strengthening international partnerships and trade.
Within this broader context, Hungary’s presidency focuses on seven priorities, three of which this story explores: (1) addressing demographic challenges, (2) shaping the future of cohesion policy, and (3) advancing the new European competitiveness deal. These priorities are interconnected. Through open data, we can gain valuable insights into these priorities and track the progress of key EU economic and political developments in these areas.
Section 1: Addressing demographic challenges with open data
One of Hungary’s key priorities during its presidency is addressing demographic issues, which include an ageing population, the need to ensure that welfare systems remain sustainable, and pressure on the labour market. According to the Eurobarometer 2023, 42 % of EU citizens identify population ageing as the most pressing demographic challenge, while 40 % highlight a shrinking working-age population and labour shortages.
Figure 1 illustrates how concerns vary across EU Member States. For instance, concerns relating to population ageing are particularly pronounced in Poland, where 57 % of citizens identify it as the top demographic challenge, followed by countries like the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. In contrast, Belgium, Denmark, Romania and Lithuania are more concerned about shrinking working-age population and labour shortages. Migration and integration are seen as the most significant issues in countries such as Germany and Luxembourg, while Hungary and Slovakia consider depopulation and brain drain to be pressing concerns. Finally, declining fertility rates are perceived as critical in Finland (57 %), but also Latvia and Estonia, where lower birth rates threaten the future size of the working-age population.
Open data plays a crucial role in addressing these demographic challenges. It offers insights into workforce trends, migration patterns and social needs, which can help design effective strategies to mobilise the inactive working-age population and ensure sustainable welfare systems. Explore the dataset further to uncover more about EU citizens’ perspectives on these demographic issues.
Figure 1: Most-indicated demographic challenge per Member State
Source: data.europa.eu, Eurobarometer.
Section 2: Open data at the core of cohesion policy
Cohesion policy, also known as the regional policy of the EU, aims to improve the economic well-being of regions across the EU while reducing regional disparities. This policy addresses all EU regions and cities by focusing on sustainable development, economic growth, job creation and improving quality of life through strategic investment. It represents a form of EU solidarity, enabling people in less-developed regions to seize the opportunities created by the world’s largest market.
As the EU’s main investment tool, cohesion policy plays a vital role in driving competitiveness and strengthening the single market. Despite these efforts, significant development gaps remain, with over a quarter of the EU population living in regions that are below 75 % of the EU’s average development level. During its presidency, Hungary seeks to initiate a strategic debate on the future of cohesion policy, focusing on how it can boost competitiveness, enhance employment and tackle demographic challenges.
As shown in Figure 2, regional gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the EU between 2001 and 2021 reveals stark differences. Eastern European countries have experienced growth above the EU average, with their GDP per capita rising from 52 % of the EU average to nearly 80 %. This remarkable progress can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the ‘catch-up’ effect seen in less-developed regions and the benefits of EU membership, including access to structural funds, investments and the single market. Meanwhile, Scandinavia presents a more mixed picture, with some regions thriving while others lag behind, due to variations in economic structures and regional challenges. Western Europe, on the other hand, generally shows below-average growth, though certain regions like Galicia and Extremadura in Spain stand out by exceeding both the EU and their national averages.
These variations in regional growth rates underscore the importance of continued, targeted policies to reduce disparities and foster balanced development across the EU. Open data is essential in tracking the progress of cohesion policy and shaping future strategies that address regional differences effectively. You can explore more insights into the EU’s regional policies and their impact here!
Figure 2: Regional growth of GDP per capita compared to growth by Member State and in the EU, 2001–2021
Source: European Commission.
Section 3: New European competitiveness deal through the open data lens
When it comes to the EU’s single market priorities, one of Hungary’s top objectives is to strengthen the EU’s long-term competitiveness through a new European competitiveness deal. In this plan, energy plays a crucial role in driving the digital and environmental transitions while helping Member States achieve greater energy independence.
Figure 3 offers valuable insights into two key metrics: the share of energy from renewable sources and the diversity of energy supply across Member States. Sweden leads the EU in the first metric, with 66 % of its energy coming from renewable sources. Finland (48 %) and Latvia (43 %) follow, reflecting their strong commitments to renewable energy, a critical component of long-term competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
Countries like Finland and Sweden show high shares of renewable energy and also have a relatively low diversity index of energy supply (below 0.15). A lower index indicates a more diversified energy mix, making them less reliant on any single energy source and potentially more resilient to energy supply disruptions. By contrast, Malta has the highest energy mix index (above 0.35), which suggests it may be more vulnerable to disruptions if one source becomes unavailable. As expected, countries with a higher share of renewable energy tend to have a better (lower) diversity index of energy supply and vice versa.
Open data is essential not only for tracking the EU’s progress towards environmental goals, but also for evaluating and refining energy policies that directly impact the EU’s competitiveness. By analysing such data, policymakers can identify gaps, anticipate risks and implement strategies to ensure that all Member States contribute to and benefit from the energy transition.
Figure 3: Share of energy from renewable sources and diversity index of energy supply by Member State
Source: Eurostat, data.europa.eu.
Conclusion
This data story explored three of the Hungarian Presidency’s key priorities, aligned with the shared goals of the trio presidency, while addressing new issues. Open data on demographic trends underscores the pressing need to address labour shortages, while data on cohesion policy reveals ongoing regional disparities when it comes to growth. Data on competitiveness highlights the progress towards strengthening the EU’s position in domains such as energy independence. These challenges are deeply interconnected and have a significant impact on the EU’s overall economic performance.
Curious to learn more about how these issues influence Hungary’s other priorities? Explore the available datasets on data.europa.eu, and stay updated with our latest data stories and webinars by subscribing to our newsletter and following data.europa.eu on social media.
data.europa.eu's datasets used in the data story
Section 1: Addressing demographic challenges with open data
Section 3: New European competitiveness deal through the open data lens