The decision follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s unsanctioned visits to Russia and China.
Originally reported by Politico and confirmed by Polish Radio, the move is a response to Orbán's recent diplomatic engagements, which were not coordinated with the EU and faced protests.
Traditionally, the country holding the EU presidency hosts informal ministerial meetings. Hungary, currently holding the presidency, planned a foreign ministers' meeting for August 28-29. However, due to Orbán’s unilateral foreign policy actions, including self-proclaimed peace missions to Russia and China, the EU decided to relocate the meeting.
"We found a way to strip Hungary of hosting the informal meeting. The EU's foreign policy chief will organize a formal meeting in Brussels at the same time," an EU diplomat told Polish Radio. This would compel foreign ministers to attend the formal session in Brussels, effectively bypassing the Budapest meeting.
This unprecedented step follows a previous boycott, where the European Commission President and commissioners did not visit Budapest as per tradition at the start of a presidency. A postponed visit after the summer break remains uncertain. Additionally, Orbán has not been invited to present Hungary's presidency priorities at the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg until after the summer.
Orbán's 'peace plan'
In a related move, the Hungarian PM also sent a peace plan for Ukraine to EU leaders. His chief political director, Balázs Orbán, revealed in an interview with the pro-government newspaper Magyar Nemzet that the plan includes a realistic assessment of the situation, achievable goals, and a concrete timeline.
The plan suggests involving major and medium powers like the United States, China, and Turkey in negotiations alongside Russia and Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP
