Hungary’s diplomatic isolation sharpens in line with EU’s united Ukraine stance.
The European Union has boldly revoked Hungary’s hosting privileges for a significant conference of foreign and defence ministers. While Hungary’s different approach raises questions over its loyalty to the bloc’s core values, this choice emphasises the EU’s will to a united reaction to the Ukraine issue.
The administration of Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been at odds with the EU’s coordinated approach of handling the crisis. Orban’s description of the EU’s stance as “pro-war” and his most recent meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin have set off a flurry of condemnation among EU leaders.
The announcement by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to move the conference to Brussels clearly criticises Hungary’s behaviour. While Hungary’s posture runs against to the EU’s will to show a united front in the face of Russian aggression, this choice reflects the EU’s will to present such front.
Peter Szijjarto, Hungary’s Foreign Minister, called the ruling “petulant,” drawing comparisons between the circumstances and a “schoolyard squabble.” But the EU’s measures show a growing annoyance with Hungary’s increasingly unusual posture inside the bloc.
Hungary’s position compromises the EU’s capacity to provide a unified reaction while it negotiates the complexity of the Ukraine situation. The loss of the meeting privilege reminds us sharply of the repercussions of straying from the EU’s cohesive policy.
Hungary has to review its stance and the long-term consequences of its activities under increasing condemnation in mind. The EU’s decision to deny Hungary the meeting privilege marks a turning point in their relationship that might have far-reaching effects for European collaboration going forward and Hungary’s standing inside the bloc.
