In a bold move, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has directed top EU officials to skip meetings in Hungary following Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s controversial visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban’s actions, including a “peace mission” to Russia and talks with China and Donald Trump, have raised concerns among EU leaders.
Concerns have been raised about Orban’s use of Hungary’s EU rotating presidency to bolster his foreign policy agenda, prompting the EU to limit its representation at Hungarian events. This move is seen as a reprimand to Hungary and a way to prevent it from overshadowing the EU presidency.
Orban’s close ties with Putin and his defiance of EU stances on Russia’s war in Ukraine have led to criticism from other EU leaders. The EU’s ongoing efforts to counter Russia’s aggression have been hindered by Hungary’s reluctance to support sanctions against Moscow.
Orban’s visit to Moscow marks the first by a European leader since April 2022, highlighting his unconventional approach to foreign relations against the backdrop of EU-Russia tensions.
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