Hungary punished by EU for Orban cosying up to Putin | World | News

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been punished by Brussels for his self-styled “peace mission” to Russia, heavily criticised by most EU leaders across the bloc.

Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1 and is set to retain the role until the end of the year.

This position would normally give the country the right to host a meeting of foreign and defence ministers to discuss the global issues and foreign policy decisions awaiting the bloc.

But the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has stripped Mr Orban of this privilege. Now, the event set to take place between August 28 and 30 will happen in Brussels instead of Budapest.

Mr Borrell said that Mr Orban’s actions bore consequences, adding “we have to send a signal, even if it is a symbolic signal”.

Earlier this month, the Hungarian leader travelled to Ukraine and Russia in an unsanctioned diplomatic mission to explore peace terms between the two countries.

Mr Orban, who has often thrown a spanner in the EU’s works when it comes to sustaining Ukraine‘s fight against Moscow and its accession to the bloc, accused Brussels of a “pro-war policy” after meeting the Russian president.

Citing these remarks, Mr Borrell added: “If you want to talk about the war party, talk about Putin.

“I can say that all member states – with one single exception – are very much critical about this behaviour.

“I think it was… appropriate to show this feeling and to call for the next foreign and defence council meetings in Brussels.”

Only Slovakia has sided with Hungary in this dispute, while Hungary described the ban as “completely childish”.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto commented on Facebook: “What a fantastic response they have come up with. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but it feels like being in a kindergarten.”