EU boycotts Hungary-hosted meeting... Orban's visit to Russia sparks backlash

Orb?n Visits China and Russia to Mediate Ukraine Ceasefire
EU Criticizes Chairmanship Abuse for Sending Wrong Message

Conflicts between the European Union (EU) and its member state Hungary continue. This follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n's consecutive visits to Russia and China earlier this month, positioning himself as a 'peace delegation' mediator to end the war in Ukraine. The EU is concerned that Hungary's actions could undermine Europe's support for Ukraine.

On the 22nd (local time), according to AP News and others, Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated after the EU foreign ministers' meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, "Even if it is a symbolic signal, we must send a signal," and announced, "We have decided to convene the next Foreign Affairs and Defence Council (ministerial-level meeting) in Brussels." This effectively formalizes the boycott of the informal foreign ministers' meeting that Hungary was scheduled to host at the end of next month.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The informal foreign ministers' meeting hosted by Hungary, mentioned by High Representative Borrell, is a customary event held by the rotating presidency, which lasts six months. It is also called the 'Gymnich meeting' after the name of the old castle in Germany where it was first held half a century ago. Borrell highlighted that many member states strongly criticized Hungary at the meeting and shed light on the EU member states' backlash against Prime Minister Orb?n's recent visit to Russia.

Earlier, as soon as Hungary succeeded to the rotating presidency position for the second half of the year earlier this month, Prime Minister Orb?n took on the role of a 'peace delegation' and visited Russia and China consecutively. He aimed to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. In response, many EU member states criticized Orb?n for abusing the title of 'presidency' to send the wrong message, despite the fact that the treaty stipulates that the presidency does not have the authority to represent the EU externally. Among the 27 EU member states excluding Hungary, only Slovakia supports Hungary's actions.

In a letter obtained by The New York Times (NYT) on the 16th, Orb?n told EU leaders and European heads of state, "Former President Trump believes the war in Ukraine must end and even had a concrete plan for an early ceasefire after taking office," and argued, "The EU, which lacked an independent pan-European strategy, has been busy simply following the US's support stance for Ukraine, but even now, it should reopen diplomatic channels with Russia and activate dialogue."

Upon hearing the news of Borrell's boycott of the Hungarian meeting, Hungarian Foreign Minister P?ter Szijj?rt? mocked on Facebook, saying, "Their response is an organized and hysterical revenge," and added, "I don't want to upset anyone, but it feels like being in kindergarten."