EU Commission President reacts to Orban’s solo actions: Boycott decision hits Hungary

Hungary’s Council Presidency and the EU’s reaction

The decision of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to travel to meet important political figures such as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Donald Trump has caused a stir in the EU. In particular, his solo actions in Ukraine policy have been criticized by the European Commission and other EU countries.

Reaction of the EU Commission

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has decided that future informal ministerial meetings under the Hungarian Presidency will only be attended by senior officials and not by Commissioners. In addition, the traditional inaugural visit to the Hungarian Presidency will be dispensed with. These measures are a direct response to Orban's Going it alone and the lack of coordination with the EU.

Reaction of other EU countries

Lithuania and Sweden have already announced that they will temporarily stop ministers from meeting in Hungary Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland are also considering similar steps. The international community is thus making it clear that Orban's actions are not in line with EU interests.

Outlook for the future

The EU is currently discussing moving a planned informal meeting of EU foreign ministers from Budapest to Brussels. This would send a further signal to Hungary that its behavior will have consequences. The decision is expected to be made at the next meeting of EU foreign ministers chaired by Josep Borrell.

European Parliament and the reaction to Orban’s actions

As the EU Commission under von der Leyen takes measures against Hungary, the European Parliament is faced with the decision on a second term for the Commission President. Political parties such as the Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals are pushing for decisive action against Hungary. The vote in Parliament will also depend on how the EU Commission deals with Orban's unilateral actions.

Orban's trip to Putin, Jinping and Trump poses challenges for the EU in how it deals with member states that follow their own political paths. The reactions from Brussels and other capitals signal a clear unease about Orban's diplomatic excursions, which threaten the unity and coherence of the European Union.