EU-Hungary Relations at an All-Time Low
The crisis between Hungary and the European Union continues to escalate as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán exploits his mandate as the semi-annual president of the EU Council. Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, has reprimanded Orbán for his recent visits to Russia, China, and the United States under the guise of a 'peace mission for Ukraine.' Michel's letter to Orbán emphasized that Orbán has no mandate to negotiate on behalf of the Union and reiterated the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine.
Boycotts and Political Tensions
In response to Orbán's actions, the European Commission has decided to boycott meetings organized in Hungary during its presidency by not sending commissioners. Several member states are considering similar actions. The rotating presidency of the Council does not perform any function of representing the Union on the international stage, Michel reminded Orbán. The President of the European Council expressed his disapproval of Orbán's actions, stating that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine is the victim exercising its right to self-defense.
Calls for Sanctions and Political Maneuvers
A group of 63 MEPs, led by Estonian Riho Terras, has sent a letter to the EU leadership demanding that Orbán be deprived of his voting rights in accordance with Article 7 of the EU treaty. They argue that Orbán is damaging the institution and actively undermining the EU's common positions. Additionally, the European Parliament is set to vote on a resolution on Ukraine, which includes a section demanding consequences for Hungary's so-called peace mission.
Hungarian officials, however, have criticized the European Commission's boycott, arguing that it is politically motivated. Boka Janos, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs, questioned whether all of the Commission's decisions are now based on political considerations. Despite the growing tensions, Orbán plans to attend the European Parliament in September to outline the priorities of Hungary's presidency.
Hungary's Controversial Alliances
Orbán's recent meeting with Donald Trump in Florida has further strained relations with the EU. In a letter to Charles Michel and EU leaders, Orbán reiterated his belief that the Union should launch a peace initiative involving China. He also suggested that a potential Trump victory in the next U.S. presidential election could significantly alter the financial support dynamics for Ukraine, to the detriment of the EU.
The ongoing tensions highlight the deepening rift between Hungary and the EU, with Orbán aligning himself with leaders like Putin and Trump, who are seen as contrary to the EU's stance on the Ukraine conflict. This situation has led to calls for more stringent measures against Hungary, as verbal condemnations have proven ineffective.
