The European Union to Boycott Hungarian Summit Over Orban’s Russia and China Visits
The European Union is preparing to punish Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his trips to Russia and China by initiating a boycott of the foreign affairs summit in Budapest. This was reported by Politico.
According to sources cited by the publication, EU foreign ministers plan to ignore the planned meeting in Budapest on August 28-29, organizing their own formal summit during the same period. This move is seen as a response to Orban’s visits to Putin and Xi Jinping, which have sparked negative reactions within the EU.
Orban, who currently chairs the EU Council, visited Russia and China without complying with previous EU agreements on coordinating foreign policy. His meetings with leaders of states targeted by EU sanctions have raised concerns among European diplomats.
However, the EU’s response to Orban’s actions will take the form of its own foreign affairs summit, convened by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell. This step is intended to send a clear signal that «Hungary does not speak on behalf of the EU.»
This plan was discussed in advance with several EU countries, including France and Germany. Borrell’s team is expected to present the details of the plan to the 27 EU ambassadors at the next meeting.
The Ukrainian conflict has also led to divided views among EU countries on the issue of relations with Russia, with Hungary supporting a softer line than other union members.
