EU tensions rise as Hungary's EU presidency faces boycotts

The European Commission has clearly indicated its disagreement with Viktor Orban's policies. The traditional visit of the EC to the country holding the EU presidency will not take place. The informal meeting of foreign ministers in Budapest is also at risk of being boycotted.

"Another unprecedented decision of the EC in connection with the Hungarian presidency. The EC President's and commissioners' traditional visit to Budapest has been cancelled. No commissioner will participate in the informal ministerial meetings organized in Hungary either," reported Beata Płomecka, Polish Radio correspondent in Brussels, on the X service.

Politico writes that the European Commission has asked its commissioners not to attend informal minister meetings during the Hungarian presidency of the EU Council.

The portal cites "three EU officials" familiar with the matter. One of them added that the EC hopes that by sending only officials to the meetings, it will signal to Budapest that "disrespecting the EU presidency is unacceptable."

After Hungary took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing, which sparked significant controversy. He did not inform other capitals of his plans in advance. In press releases, Hungary presented its presidency logo, which could give the impression that Orban was representing the Union in the talks.

Ambassadors from 25 member countries criticized the Hungarian presidency (only Slovakia abstained). There is also talk of boycotting the informal meeting of foreign ministers, scheduled to take place at the end of August in Budapest. It is possible that a formal meeting will be held in Brussels. A decision on this matter may be made next week.