European setback for Orban after peace missions to Russia and China

The EU is running out of patience with Viktor Orbán. Josep Borrell, the supreme representative of Community diplomacy, has decided to hold an informal foreign affairs council in Brussels, initially scheduled for Budapest (Hungary). After hearing the different opinions of the twenty-seven foreign ministersBorrell has decided on this measure that he himself believes has only a “symbolic” value that seeks to send a signal of punishment after Orbán’s international tour baptized as a “peace mission”, efforts that led him to visit Ukraine, Russia, Beijing and even Donald Trump’s residence in Florida and question the European strategy to support Ukraine against Vladimir Putin’s invading troops.

The European Parliament voted on a resolution last week which reminds that the children’s hospital was attacked shortly after these visits, which demonstrates the “irrelevance” of this strategy. The text is not limited only to condemning these visits, which were made without the support and prior knowledge of the rest of the partners despite taking place during the Hungarian presidency that began on 1 July, but also asks what will be the “consequences for Hungary.” European capitals divided on the measurewhich is the power of the High Representative. While Poland and the Baltics supported the boycott of this meeting, Spain and Germany maintained objections. Warsaw has also proposed that the meeting be held in Ukraine. But holding a meeting of these characteristics outside the twenty-seven requires consensus of partners, which has not been possible.

Despite this decision, Borrell doesn’t even like the word boycottwhich has rejected the use of the term, nor countries like Spain. «Orbán’s visits only link him to it and, obviously, do not represent the consensus position of the EU or Spain’s foreign policy, but Spain is not in favour of a boycott, there cannot be a boycott within the EU because unity implies and

Solidarity,” declared José Manuel Alberes upon entering the meeting with his European counterparts.. no matter how worthy this solution isis not the only punishment against Hungary. The European Commission will not hold the ordinary meeting of the College of Commissioners in the country, which was scheduled to take place in September, nor will it send its commissioners to informal meetings – no decisions will be taken – which will be held in Hungary. Presidency. In retaliation, they will elect officials as representatives. a boycott that is expected to be joined by several member states, which have already begun announcing their intention not to send their ministers to Council meetings and to opt for technical positions.

In recent days, it was considered to deprive Hungary of its turn as president and bring forward the mandate of Poland, which would have to take over on January 1, but there are political and legal obstacles to such a decision. Borrell himself has explained that, although the European treaties establish the principle of “faithful cooperation”, The Court of Justice of the European Union has no powers over foreign policy. This means that no European institution is considering condemning Hungary before the European High Court. Orban’s visits are particularly stinging in the Community capital because they have been made during the Hungarian presidency of the Community bloc, which could lead to misinterpretation. Despite this, Budapest assures that it has acted in good faith at all times.