EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has removed Hungary’s right to host the upcoming meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers due to the country’s controversial stance on the war in Ukraine. The decision follows Hungary’s recent assumption of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, a role that traditionally includes hosting such events.
Controversy Over Meeting with Putin
The move comes in response to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Borrell criticized Orbán’s comments, which included accusations that the EU follows a “pro-war policy” and emphasized the need for a symbolic response to Hungary’s actions.
In a statement, Borrell said, “If you want to talk about the war party, talk about Putin,” and added that nearly all EU member states, with the exception of Slovakia, have expressed strong disapproval of Hungary’s behavior.
Change of Venue for August Meeting
The informal EU foreign and defence ministers’ meetings, originally scheduled to take place in Budapest from August 28-30, will now be held in Brussels. Borrell’s decision reflects the EU’s attempt to signal its discontent with Hungary’s recent actions and stance on the conflict.
Hungary’s Response and Alternative Proposals
Hungary has reacted sharply to the EU’s decision, with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó describing the move as “completely childish” and likening it to a “kindergarten” response. Despite the criticism, some EU figures, like Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, have suggested maintaining dialogue with Hungary rather than a full boycott. Bettel expressed that engaging with Hungary directly would be more constructive than ignoring the situation.
Additionally, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski proposed relocating the August meeting to western Ukraine, but this suggestion was blocked by Budapest.
Orbán’s Diplomatic Missions and EU Criticism
Orbán’s meeting with Putin was part of a broader diplomatic initiative he described as a “peace mission,” which also included visits to Ukrainian and Chinese leaders and US presidential candidate Donald Trump. This trip has been met with widespread condemnation from EU leaders, including European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who criticized it as an “appeasement mission.”
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also denounced Orbán’s actions, arguing that they lacked legitimacy and sent negative signals regarding the EU’s stance on the conflict.
Hungary’s Persistent Divergence from EU Policies
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has frequently found itself at odds with the rest of the EU over how to address the crisis. Orbán’s administration has used Hungary’s veto power to delay a €50 billion package of non-military aid to Ukraine and has been vocal in its opposition to various EU measures.
The current dispute underscores the deepening divide within the EU over how to manage relations with Russia and support for Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
