EU Discovers Mechanism to Penalize Orban for Moscow Visit, Reports Politico

EU leaders are reported to be making plans to boycott an important foreign affairs summit to be held in Budapest at the end of August. The move is in response to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent visit to Moscow and criticism from senior bloc figures. Instead of attending the event, the bloc's foreign policy chief is considering holding a formal foreign affairs council at the same time to prevent ministers from attending. The aim is to send a clear signal that Hungary does not speak for the EU and to diminish Orban's influence. This decision to snub the event comes as Hungary, currently holding the European Council’s rotating presidency, has criticized the EU's position on the conflict in Ukraine, refusing to send weapons to Kiev and stalling financial aid to the country. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban's recent visits to Kiev, Moscow, and Beijing were met with criticism, with accusations that he was exploiting the EU presidency position to sow confusion. The strained relations between Hungary and Brussels have also been fueled by accusations against Hungary's conservative government of eroding the rule of law at home, while Orban, in return, has criticized Brussels for attempting to impose their will on Budapest and infringe on its sovereignty.

Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News