Ursula von der Leyen boycotts Hungary: No EU visit to Orban

The significance of von der Leyen’s boycott announcement against Orban’s Putin trip

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has taken an important decision to respond to the measures taken by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Ukraine policy. This decision has far-reaching consequences for the future relations between the EU and Hungary.

Who is involved?

Von der Leyen has announced that no EU Commissioners will attend informal ministerial meetings under the leadership of the current EU Council Presidency in Hungary. Instead, high-ranking officials will represent the EU. In addition, the EU Commission will forego the traditional inaugural visit to the Hungarian Presidency.

Why is that important?

Von der Leyen's decision shows that the EU will not tolerate member states acting alone in international affairs. It underlines the importance of unity and cooperation within the Union. It also sends a clear signal to Hungary and other member states that the EU is serious about upholding its common foreign policy.

This decision could mark a turning point in EU-Hungary relations and affect the way member states conduct their foreign policy. It will be interesting to see how Orban and the Hungarian government will react to von der Leyen's announcement.