Brussels withdraws commissioners from Hungary meetings; Von der Leyen’s crucial vote

“Brussels Withdraws Commissioners from Hungary in Response to Orbán’s Diplomatic Freelancing”

In a bold move, Brussels has decided to withdraw its commissioners from ministerial meetings in Hungary following Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent diplomatic tour to Russia, China, and Mar-a-Lago. Orbán, who inherited the EU’s rotating council presidency on July 1, has been pushing for immediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, a move that has raised eyebrows among his EU allies.

The European Commission’s decision to snub Hungary by not sending commissioners to informal council meetings for the rest of the year is a symbolic gesture of disapproval towards Orbán’s actions. The EU’s official policy is not to engage in talks about Ukraine without involving Ukraine itself, and Orbán’s solo diplomatic efforts have been seen as a breach of protocol.

Orbán’s visits to key world leaders and his push for a ceasefire in Ukraine have not been well-received by many EU member states, with Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden already announcing their boycott of ministerial meetings in Hungary. The European Commission’s move to follow suit is a clear message to Orbán that his actions have consequences.

While some may see Brussels’ decision as “petty,” it is a significant step in expressing disapproval of Orbán’s freelance diplomacy. The withdrawal of commissioners from Hungary is a strong statement without resorting to more drastic measures.

As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes will be on how Orbán and Hungary respond to this snub from Brussels and whether it will impact future diplomatic relations within the EU.