Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) on Monday for six months under the motto "Make Europe Great Again." 

Hungary outlined seven top priorities during its presidency – enhancing EU competitiveness, reinforcing the European defense policy, EU enlargement, stemming illegal migration, shaping the future of a cohesion policy, formulating a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy and addressing European demographic challenges.

Hungary's European Union Affairs Minister Janos Boka said the priorities reflect the will of European voters, adding that the recent European parliamentary elections sent a clear political message that "Europe needs change."

The minister emphasized the need for greater EU competitiveness and European security and defense policy. 

"Strengthening Europe's peace and security are of paramount importance," Boka said.

(With input from Xinhua)