Unprecedented: Hungarian leader elected for the first time by an EU body

Kata Tüttő was elected President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) during its session on Thursday, marking the first time since Hungary’s EU accession in 2004 that a Hungarian politician has taken the helm of an EU institution. Previously, Hungarian officials had only led EU agencies, making Tüttő’s appointment a historic milestone.

The role of the European Committee of the Regions

The European Committee of the Regions serves as a crucial advisory body that ensures EU policies remain connected to local and regional realities. According to Telex, in her first speech as president, Tüttő emphasised the Committee’s role in balancing complex EU policies with practical, on-the-ground perspectives. She highlighted that regional leaders contribute their common sense and innovation to EU decision-making, acting as stabilising forces in uncertain times.

Cross-party support for Tüttő’s leadership

Tüttő’s election as president of the European Union assembly of local and regional representatives makes her the first Hungarian leader of an EU institution, Budapest mayor Gergely Karácsony said. He said Tüttő was assuming the presidency of the CoR “at a critical time when the EU really has to do something about the accumulation of crises”. “It is in the interest of all of Europe that local councils have a greater role in this,” he said.

“Because they are closer to the people, closer to the problems and closer to the solutions as well.” Karácsony said Tüttő’s election as CoR president was a “major acknowledgement for Budapest”, a serious chance for Hungary, but above all, the former deputy mayor’s personal achievement. He praised Tüttő’s work as deputy mayor, expressing regret that she was no longer working in that capacity. “But at least real political achievements still count for something in Europe,” he added.