The European Union has just entered the Hungarian Presidency period and it has been an uneasy start to say the least.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is no stranger to controversy. Before Hungary took over the Presidency, he was in hot water over his interpretation of the new fiscal rules and who they applied to.

He also courted controversy in Malta when asked about the euro and he said he was “happy that Hungary was not in the eurozone.” He was again in the news lately for his new media law, about which the European Commission has already expressed reservations.

But this time it is not Prime Minister Orbán himself who is ruffling feathers. As part of its role in assuming the EU Presidency, Hungary commissioned a massive carpet highlighting Hungary’s imperial history.

The carpet features maps of pre-WWI Hungary, which at the time incorporated a good many of today’s EU member states. The idea in itself is an insult to many Europhiles, but the fact that the carpet has been placed in the central foyer of the Justus Lipsius building has been an affront that many cannot bear to take.

Nationalism is something which is the very anti-thesis of what the European Union constitutes. One cannot be nationalistic in the actual sense of the word and then want to be part of a loose union of states. It is one or the other.

Similarly, while a nation can look back on its country’s achievements as a sovereign state, or a colony, as the case may be, it cannot openly flaunt past conquests and periods of rule.

What would we say if Spain, France or Germany suddenly put tapestries on display to show their achievements through war and bloodshed… whatever the era? It is the same principle. One can keep pieces of history and exhibits and hold lectures or festivals… whatever one likes… in their own backyard.

Doing it in the backyard of Europe’s seat of power is another thing entirely. While each nation must strive to do their best and obtain the best deal that they can from Europe, it must be done with a sense of integration and flexibility. It is clear that in the future there will be two choices – further integration or secession from the union. If we are to continue on this adventure then we are going to have to integrate further. Displays of over the top nationalistic pride are not the order of the day – especially not when they can be an insult to other peoples who are part of this crazy club we call the EU.