Written By Lisa Murimi
The European Union has stripped Hungary of the right to host the upcoming meeting of foreign and defence ministers, citing the nation’s controversial stance on the war in Ukraine.
The decision comes mere weeks after Hungary assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union, traditionally a role that includes hosting such events.
The move follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which has sparked considerable outrage within the EU.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the need for consequences, stating, “We have to send a signal, even if it is a symbolic signal.” In response, Hungary labeled the decision as “completely childish.”
The informal meetings of the EU’s foreign and defence ministers, initially scheduled for August 28-30 in Budapest, will now take place in Brussels.
Borrell criticized Orban’s comments accusing the EU of a “pro-war policy,” stressing, “If you want to talk about the war party, talk about Putin.”
Out of the 27 EU member states, only Slovakia has supported Hungary in this dispute. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto dismissed the decision as childish on Facebook, comparing it to “being in a kindergarten.”
Orban’s meeting with Putin, which he termed a “peace mission,” has faced widespread condemnation from EU leaders.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo are among those who have criticized the move, viewing it as undermining the EU’s unified stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
