Hungary's contentious stance on the Ukraine war has led to a significant diplomatic backlash within the European Union. Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, announced the decision to strip Hungary of its right to host the upcoming meeting of foreign and defense ministers, a move prompted by Hungary's increasingly pro-Russian position and a recent meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

 

This development comes just weeks after Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, a position that traditionally involves hosting key meetings. The next set of meetings, initially scheduled for Budapest from August 28-30, will now be relocated to Brussels. Borrell emphasized the need to send a clear, albeit symbolic, message in response to Hungary's actions, which he described as undermining the EU's unified stance on the war in Ukraine.

 

Hungary's reaction to this decision has been dismissive, labeling it as "completely childish." Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed his frustration on social media, likening the decision to kindergarten behavior. The underlying tensions were further exacerbated by Orban's comments after his meeting with Putin, where he accused the EU of pursuing a "pro-war policy." Borrell countered this by pointing out that all member states, except Hungary, have been critical of Hungary's recent actions, urging Orban to focus his criticisms on Putin.

 

The decision to relocate the meeting has seen mixed reactions among EU member states. While Slovakia has stood by Hungary in this dispute, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel emphasized the importance of dialogue over boycotts, suggesting that engaging with Hungary directly would be more constructive than isolating them. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski even proposed holding the meeting in western Ukraine, an idea that was swiftly blocked by Budapest.

 

The controversy surrounding Orban's meeting with Putin extends beyond the EU's internal dynamics. Orban's self-described "peace mission" included visits to Ukraine, China, and even a meeting with U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. This trip has been widely condemned by EU leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized it as an appeasement mission, while Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson both condemned the trip for sending the wrong message and undermining Ukraine's fight for freedom.

 

This episode is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of Hungary's divergence from the EU consensus since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Orban, after his re-election in April 2022, openly stated that he would have to contend with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighting his adversarial stance. Over the past year, Hungary has repeatedly used its veto power to delay significant EU financial aid packages to Ukraine, further straining relations within the bloc.

 

The decision to move the EU meeting away from Budapest underscores the growing frustration among EU leaders with Hungary's stance on Ukraine and its broader implications for European unity and foreign policy coherence. As the EU navigates these internal conflicts, the importance of a unified response to external threats and geopolitical challenges remains paramount.

 

Credit: BBC 2024-07-25

 

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Good!

Hungary keeps it up they should be out all together. Can't let the fascists/autocrats run the show.

The EU needs to kick out Hungary because all they do is hold out their hands to receive money from the EU, but when the time comes to fulfill obligations that come with being part of the EU they pass! 

An impressive display of testicular fortitude. 

 

Looks like the Putin/MAGA trolls aren't awake yet.

 

The EU really is becoming quite fascistic. 

 

Maybe they should make it clear upon joining that all member states must share the same political opinions as Von Der Leyen or face Zee Consequences.

Ukraine stepped out of the sheep flock. Didn't fancy the war agenda! 

Playing Poo-tin's hound.

And that's what happened.

Friend of the Crook is another Crook.

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

The EU really is becoming quite fascistic

The only fascist country in the EU is Hungary. 

Is Borrel the Emperor of Europe, just as von der Liayen is its Queen? 

Who is that Borrel anyway?

The EU's problem is that (as far as I can tell) all voting has to be unanimous or nothing moves. Which is hopeless.

 

Surely you can invent a system where some types of issue (eg constitutional) need unanimous approval, others (eg defence & security) need 75% approval, others (eg major economic) need 66% and others (eg minor economic) need 51%  .... etc etc.

 

 

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

Hungary's reaction to this decision has been dismissive, labeling it as "completely childish."

On that I agree 100%. Obviously other EU "leaders" don't like being made to look like fools when Ukraine is likely going to lose. How are they going to justify spending so much taxpayers money on a failure?

33 minutes ago, NativeBob said:

Is Borrel the Emperor of Europe, just as von der Liayen is its Queen? 

Who is that Borrel anyway?

Someone that imagines he is important.

3 hours ago, 300sd said:

Ukraine stepped out of the sheep flock. Didn't fancy the war agenda! 

He must be looking forward to the day he can say" I told you so"! It can't be too far off.

Going to be loads of red faces on the day Zelensky offers to negotiate.

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

The decision to move the EU meeting away from Budapest underscores the growing frustration among EU leaders with Hungary's stance on Ukraine and its broader implications for European unity and foreign policy coherence. As the EU navigates these internal conflicts, the importance of a unified response to external threats and geopolitical challenges remains paramount.

and if there was an actual external threat to the EU I have no doubt he'd be on board. Their problem is that there isn't.

39 minutes ago, NativeBob said:

Is Borrel the Emperor of Europe, just as von der Liayen is its Queen? 

Who is that Borrel anyway?

In his dreams he is, IMO.

6 hours ago, JonnyF said:

The EU really is becoming quite fascistic. 

 

Maybe they should make it clear upon joining that all member states must share the same political opinions as Von Der Leyen or face Zee Consequences.

Perhaps you should get a handle on what fascistic means before using such difficult words. You seem as confused as your MAGA brethren in the US, who keep parroting their cult leader, and call Democrats anything from radical left, socialist, communist to fascist. Which is not just a little bit ridiculous, but totally ludicrous. 

3 minutes ago, rudi49jr said:

Perhaps you should get a handle on what fascistic means before using such difficult words. You seem as confused as your MAGA brethren in the US, who keep parroting their cult leader, and call Democrats anything from radical left, socialist, communist to fascist. Which is not just a little bit ridiculous, but totally ludicrous. 

 

That's a fascinating insight, thanks. 😃

 

However, nothing to do with this thread which is about the EU and Hungary.

 

Ciao. 

5 hours ago, gargamon said:

The only fascist country in the EU is Hungary. 

I think there are more heading that direction. Slowakia to start with, Poland seems to be on the mend 

7 hours ago, mfd101 said:

The EU's problem is that (as far as I can tell) all voting has to be unanimous or nothing moves. Which is hopeless.

 

Surely you can invent a system where some types of issue (eg constitutional) need unanimous approval, others (eg defence & security) need 75% approval, others (eg major economic) need 66% and others (eg minor economic) need 51%  .... etc etc.

 

 

 

It's already in operation. Called qualified majority voting. Introduced for just the reasons you state.

 

Two conditions to carry a motion now:

 

55 % of Member States vote in favour (15 out of
27),

the votes in favour are cast by Member States
representing at least 65 % of the European
Union’s population.

Do not conclude that Orban or Hungary is pro Russian. Far from it.  Remember that Hungary has a deep seat dislike of Ukraine and still lays claim to a  part of the Ukraine that was once a part of the Austro Hungarian Empire. The Zakarpattia region of Ukraine was occupied by Romania, the Czechoslavakia, then Germany and then Soviet Russian Hungarians until it was  handed back to Ukraine.  This is all about Orban pandering to the Hungarian nationalists and providing a distraction from his corrupt regime. The EU has had enough of his blackmail. Hungarians will find out too when they don't get the generous voluntary handouts.

does he not try to stop unlimited invasion of economical refugees of a non compatible religion and life style ?

20 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

That's a fascinating insight, thanks. 😃

 

However, nothing to do with this thread which is about the EU and Hungary.

 

Ciao. 

They do like to deflect. Probably because they have nothing to say on the topic.

19 hours ago, stevenl said:

I think there are more heading that direction. Slowakia to start with, Poland seems to be on the mend 

 

By fascist, we must assume you mean not drinking the left wing koolaid?

On 7/25/2024 at 3:33 AM, pacovl46 said:

The EU needs to kick out Hungary because all they do is hold out their hands to receive money from the EU, but when the time comes to fulfill obligations that come with being part of the EU they pass! 

 

The other 27 member states might well feel the same way as you. Unfortunately there is no mechanism for removing member states from the EU.

On 7/25/2024 at 4:01 AM, JonnyF said:

The EU really is becoming quite fascistic. 

 

Maybe they should make it clear upon joining that all member states must share the same political opinions as Von Der Leyen or face Zee Consequences.

 

The EU stance on foreign affairs - including Ukraine - is decided at meetings of the  EU Foreign Affairs Ministers not by Von Der Leyen.

On 7/25/2024 at 7:15 AM, NativeBob said:

Is Borrel the Emperor of Europe, just as von der Liayen is its Queen? 

Who is that Borrel anyway?

 

On 7/25/2024 at 7:50 AM, thaibeachlovers said:

Someone that imagines he is important.

 

On 7/25/2024 at 7:55 AM, thaibeachlovers said:

 

 

Borrell is not the Emperor of Europe. His official title is 'High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy'. He is quite important.

 

Von der Liayen (sic) is not Queen of Europe; she is President of the European Commission which makes her quite important as well.

 

Hope that helps.

On 7/25/2024 at 7:50 AM, thaibeachlovers said:

Someone that imagines he is important.

 

On 7/25/2024 at 7:55 AM, thaibeachlovers said:

In his dreams he is, IMO.

 

Now able to read and interpret other thoughts and dreams! Impressive🙄

On 7/25/2024 at 12:53 PM, thaibeachlovers said:

Going to be loads of red faces on the day Zelensky offers to negotiate.

 

Don't think so, all wars end with negotiation. It's the fighting that gets them there.