Dispute over Orban journey - EU-Diplomat considering boycott of minister meeting in Hungary
EU High Representative Josep Borrell is considering a boycott of an planned EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Budapest due to the unsanctioned journey of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Moscow and Beijing. Regarding the usual leading of the scheduled end of August meeting in his capacity as the EU's High Representative, Borrell stated that he would make a decision after discussing with the EU ministers. This decision is to be made today in Brussels.
Borrell himself described Orban's recent travels and statements from his Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto as "completely unacceptable." In reference to Szijjarto, he criticized him for accusing the EU of fueling the war in Ukraine with its policy in a speech before the UN Security Council.
The EU is striving for a common stance
Discussions have been ongoing for days about possible EU reactions to Orban's meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, China's State and Party Chief Xi Jinping, and former US President Donald Trump. Some member states would like to react to the planned end of August foreign ministers meeting in Budapest with a cancellation. Countries like Germany, however, have been against this - in part because they would prefer to address Orban's talks with Putin, Xi, and Trump on site and explain why they consider them incorrect.
Hungary holds the EU Council Presidency
The current policy of the Orban government is particularly problematic because Hungary currently holds the rotating EU Council Presidency, and there is a fear that abroad, Orban will be perceived as speaking on behalf of the European Union. Criticism is focused on the trip to Putin in particular, as it could be perceived as an act of appeasement.
Orban himself speaks of a "peace mission." The Hungarian has long held the view that the political course of the EU and NATO could lead to an expansion of the war beyond Ukraine. However, from the Ukrainian perspective, negotiations are meaningless as long as Russia shows no willingness to withdraw from the occupied territories.
Information on the EU meeting
- EU High Representative Josep Borrell is contemplating a boycott of an upcoming EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Budapest due to Viktor Orban's unsanctioned trip to Moscow and Beijing.
- Borrell described Orban's recent travels and Szijjarto's UN Security Council speech as "completely unacceptable."
- Some EU member states are advocating for the cancellation of the meeting due to Orban's meetings with Putin, Xi Jinping, and Donald Trump.
- However, countries like Germany prefer to address these matters directly on site to explain their concerns.
- As the EU Council Presidency holder, Hungary's current policy is problematic due to fear that Orban's actions could be perceived as speaking on behalf of the European Union.
- Criticism is primarily focused on Orban's trip to Vladimir Putin, as it could be interpreted as an act of appeasement.
- Boycotting the meeting would be a significant diplomatic move within the European Union and its relations with other countries.
- Peter Szijjarto, Hungary's Foreign Minister, has faced criticism from within the EU for his statements and actions regarding Ukraine and the EU's policy.
- Ministers from various EU countries will meet in Brussels today to discuss the issue and make a decision about the planned EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Budapest.
