Top official states that EU has to be clever about panelizing Hungary
Date
7/14/2024 5:21:54 AM
(MENAFN) European Council President Charles Michel has cautioned European Union member states against taking formal punitive measures against Hungary following Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Moscow, shortly after Hungary began its rotating presidency of the council. In an interview with the Financial Times, Michel referred to Orban’s “peace mission” as problematic and criticized his approach to diplomacy as “not acceptable.” However, he advised that retaliating against Hungary might lead to unintended consequences, emphasizing the need for a smart strategy: “We don’t want to punish ourselves in a collateral effect of trying to punish someone.”
Orban’s trip to Moscow has drawn significant backlash from various European Union officials and member states. The Hungarian leader has characterized his visit as an effort to promote dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow, stating he did not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on behalf of the European Union. He insisted that the meetings were not negotiations but rather an opportunity to listen to both leaders.
According to the Financial Times, the European Union's legal service has determined that Orban's actions contravene the bloc’s treaties. The legal assessment found that his conduct could undermine the union's goals and lacked the spirit of loyalty and mutual solidarity expected among member states. In response to Orban's actions, several European Union nations are reportedly contemplating boycotting informal events hosted by Hungary during its six-month presidency or even considering the removal of Budapest from the presidency altogether.
While criticism of Orban is prevalent within the European Union, it is not unanimous. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico publicly expressed admiration for Orban’s bravery, highlighting the division in responses among member states regarding Hungary's recent diplomatic activities.
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