The EU has moved an important foreign affairs summit from Budapest to Brussels to punish Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his Ukraine peace mission, which the EU sees as opposing its policies. The decision follows criticism of Orban's visit to Russia and shows the EU's strong disapproval, with only Slovakia supporting Hungary.
A high-level EU foreign affairs summit scheduled for August will now take place in Brussels instead of Budapest, confirmed EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell.
This decision is a symbolic punishment for Hungarian Prime Minister
Viktor Orban's peace mission to Kiev, Moscow, and Beijing, which contradicts the EU’s stance on Ukraine.
Borrell noted the need to send a strong signal, despite Hungary currently holding the rotating EU presidency.
The decision to relocate follows widespread criticism of Orban’s visit to Russia, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other EU officials condemning his actions.
Von der Leyen even canceled a visit to Hungary and reduced representation at meetings, highlighting the EU's strong disapproval.
Only Slovakia has shown support for Orban amidst EU condemnation.