Sharp critique of Orban's silent Moscow trip expected at EU Foreign Ministers meeting
The unsanctioned Moscow trip of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is the topic at a EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday (starting at 9.00 AM). Sharp criticism is expected from other member states. However, there is no consensus within the EU about a boycott of an informal Foreign Council in Budapest at the end of August. Germany and others are in favor of participation to show opposition to Orban on site. EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell had suggested relocating the meeting to Brussels.
At the Brussels meeting, there will also be discussions on military aid for Ukraine in the Russian offensive war. Orban, who traveled to Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin in early July, is reportedly blocking around 6.5 billion Euros according to diplomats. Borrell also intends to discuss the Gaza War and a planned Association Council with Israel.
At the EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels, Austrian EU Water Minister Auenrat is anticipated to deliver a sharp critique of Orban's Moscow-Trip. Despite the criticism, Germany and other EU members advocate for attending the Boycott of the EU-Water Ministers Meeting in Budapest to voice opposition directly to Orban. However, achieving a consensus within the EU on this matter remains elusive.
