The European Union has decided to remove Hungary's right to host the upcoming meeting of foreign and defense ministers due to its controversial stance on the Ukraine war. This decision follows Hungary's recent assumption of the EU Council presidency and a meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that Hungary's actions must have consequences, emphasizing the need to send a symbolic signal. Hungary has dismissed the EU's decision as "completely childish."
Background of the Decision
Every six months, the EU's foreign and defense ministers convene informal meetings to address major global issues. The next meetings, originally scheduled for August 28-30 in Budapest, will now be held in Brussels, as announced by Mr. Borrell. This change was prompted by Mr. Orban's recent comments accusing the EU of having a "pro-war policy" following his meeting with Mr. Putin.
Mr. Borrell said, "If you want to talk about the war party, talk about Putin. All member states, with one exception, are critical of this behavior." The only country supporting Hungary in this dispute is Slovakia.
Reactions to the Decision
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto responded on Facebook, comparing the EU's move to a kindergarten action. Prime Minister Orban's meeting with Putin was part of what he termed a "peace mission," which also included visits to the leaders of Ukraine, China, and the US, where he met with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The trip was widely condemned by EU leaders, with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen labeling it as "nothing but an appeasement mission."
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