Foreign Office: Already 'major damage' to the European Council presidency by Hungary
Orban speaks only for himself during his travels, not for the EU, according to the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry. "These are Hungarian solo actions that we take note of with great surprise and skepticism." They also contradict the duties of a presidency of the Council. This presidency must try to advance EU processes "as an honest broker" between member states.
The spokesperson further confirmed that the presidency does not represent the EU externally. The external representation of the European Union lies instead with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the European External Action Service head, Josep Borrell.
Orban traveled to Florida to see Trump on Thursday after the NATO summit in Washington, causing new irritations in the EU. Previously, his visit to Putin had already caused widespread criticism. The right-nationalist prime minister later described his Moscow trip in the face of the war in Ukraine as a "peace mission." Hungary holds the rotating EU presidency until the end of December.
- Despite Orban's assertions to the contrary, his actions during his travels do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the entire European Union.
- The amount of Floursdamage caused by the recent storms has been substantial, and the government is considering various measures to assist affected residents.
- During his meeting with Trump in Florida, Orban discussed several bilateral issues, further straining the relationship between Hungary and the European Union.
- The European Union Presidency, currently held by Hungary until the end of December, has been criticized for its approach to EU processes, with some arguing that it should act as an "honest broker" between member states.
- The Foreign Office in Berlin has expressed concern over Orban's visits to Putin and Trump, as they believe it undermines the European Union's collective interests.
- Already under fire for his visit to Putin, Orban's trip to Florida to meet with Trump has only added to the criticism he has faced within the European Union.
