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EU foreign ministers move the meeting to Brussels as a sign of dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Orban

2024-08-29 16:28:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

EU foreign ministers move the meeting to Brussels as a sign of dissatisfaction

The foreign ministers of the European Union decided to hold the informal meeting not in Budapest, but the central offices in Brussels, to show the growing dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister of Hungary, Victor Orban.

The meeting, where no official decision is expected, was planned to be held in the Hungarian capital, which holds the EU presidency, but was moved to Brussels in protest at Mr Orban's meeting with Russian President Putin earlier this year. July.

The decision to hold the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels and not in Budapest is a clear message that the countries of the European Union do not agree with the policies that Hungary is following while holding the presidency of the union, said the foreign ministers of Belgium and Lithuania.

"Welcome to Brussels, it is unusual for informal meetings of Foreign Ministers to be held here, as they are generally held in the capital of the country that holds the presidency of the European Union. And as you know, we don't have the leadership. The decision to hold the meeting in Brussels and not in Budapest is a clear message of disagreement on the part of the High Representative for Foreign Policy of the European Union, Josep Borrel, regarding the position that Hungary has maintained on the international stage, especially regarding the war that has started from Russia", said the Belgian Foreign Minister, Hadja Lahbib.

Based on EU regulation, from July 1 until the end of this year, Hungary, a country with 9.5 million inhabitants, has the right to represent and often speak on behalf of the European bloc of 450 million inhabitants.

But the countries of the bloc have expressed displeasure that Prime Minister Orban is increasingly supporting policies that are opposed by the European Union.

"It is a direct signal that the European countries do not agree with the policies in Hungary, with its policies in the international arena and with the approach they are taking while leading the Presidency. They say they are a pro-peace party. I don't agree with that," said Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's foreign minister

The ministerial meeting focuses on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the contested elections in Venezuela. The top European diplomats raised their concern about the situation in the Gaza Strip and called for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that it is very important for the European Union to show that it is united.

"We had intensive discussions during the summer. There were different opinions, I think it is important to stay together. In times of crisis it is more important to meet. For me it doesn't matter where. We meet, but we stay united. In these times of crisis, it is more important to have deep discussions on the issues, with more time and calmness, and not hastily," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

Traditionally, the European Union ends the summer holidays with an informal meeting of foreign ministers.

But while the Hungarian prime minister holds the next presidency of the bloc of 27 countries, the holidays have not been so peaceful.

"I hope that the meeting here today will show that we expect some rules to be followed by the country holding the EU Presidency. Hungary should pay attention," said Elina Valtonen, Finland's foreign minister.

At a time when Russian President Putin presents the European Union as the main opponent due to the war in Ukraine, Mr. Orban has made visits to Moscow and maintained friendly relations with the autocratic leader.

While China is considered one of the main opponents of the EU, Mr. Orban has gone to Beijing to maintain friendly relations and strengthen Hungarian business interests./ Voa





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