PARIS – European Union foreign ministers are set to evaluate how to respond to recent actions by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, including his unsanctioned trips to Russia and China and his country’s controversial stance on the EU’s role in Ukraine. The discussions were prompted by what EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described as “unacceptable” behavior from Hungary.
Hungary assumed the EU’s six-month rotating presidency in July. Almost immediately, Orban undertook what was termed a “peace mission” to Moscow and Beijing without prior notification or mandate from other EU partners. Additionally, Orban left a NATO summit early to meet with former US President Donald Trump. Following these actions, Hungary’s foreign minister has publicly questioned the EU’s involvement in Ukraine.
“We will discuss what has happened and positions taken by the Hungarian government,” said Borrell, emphasizing the need to address these actions within the EU framework. Some member states are advocating for a stronger stance against Budapest. One proposed measure is to boycott or downgrade attendance at an informal ministerial meeting scheduled in Budapest at the end of August, although there is division among EU countries on the efficacy of such a move.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed frustration over Orban’s independent actions, which she described as “ego trips” that have irritated many within the EU. In contrast, Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel argued for the importance of maintaining dialogue with Budapest, warning that ignoring Hungary would be a mistake.
Orban, known for his critical stance on Western military aid to Ukraine and his warm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has consistently impeded EU decisions related to military support for Ukraine. Ahead of the meeting, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized the EU’s response, claiming that their “failed strategy” has been exposed by Hungary’s diplomatic efforts. He dismissed the EU’s reaction as “a childish sit-in boycott and verbal karate.”
As the EU grapples with internal divisions over its foreign policy, the outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the bloc’s cohesion and its approach to external threats and diplomatic relations.