EU Commission Downgrades Attendance at Hungarian EU Presidency Meetings
Hungary Accuses EU Commission of Selective Participation Amidst Diplomatic Tensions
Hungary has criticized the European Union Commission for what it perceives as selective participation following the announcement that the Commission would not send its commissioners to informal meetings organized by the Hungarian EU presidency. This decision effectively reduces the EU executive body's involvement in Hungary's presidency activities.
Hungarian Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Engagements
The controversy arises after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent interactions with notable global figures, including U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump. Orban's surprise visits to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing, labeled as a "peace mission," have drawn criticism from various EU member states. Hungary is set to hold the rotating EU presidency for six months until December 31.
Hungary’s Response to the EU Commission’s Decision
Janos Boka, Hungary's Minister for European Affairs, expressed his dissatisfaction on the social media platform X, stating, "The EU is an international organization constituted by its member states. The EU Commission is an institution of the EU. The EU Commission cannot cherry-pick institutions and member states it wants to cooperate with. Are all Commission decisions now based on political considerations?"
EU Commission’s Stance on Participation
Eric Mamer, spokesperson for the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, announced on X that the Commission would be represented only at the senior civil servant level during informal Council meetings organized by Hungary. He clarified that this decision is not limited in time and that specialist commissioners for policy areas under discussion typically attend EU ministerial meetings.
Political Reactions from Hungary’s Fidesz Party
Kinga Gal, an EU lawmaker and vice president of Orban's Fidesz party, condemned the EU Commission’s move as politically motivated. "We have become used to her using the EU institutions, especially against Hungary, for political blackmail and pressure," Gal stated on X. "This is unacceptable and goes against the very essence of European cooperation."
Implications for EU Commission President’s Reelection Bid
The decision comes at a critical time for Ursula von der Leyen, who is seeking support from a majority of EU lawmakers in an upcoming vote to secure a second term as president of the European Commission. Her campaign efforts have been perceived by some as influencing the Commission's actions towards Hungary.
Nordic and Baltic Countries' Response to Orban’s Diplomacy
In a related development, the Swedish government announced that Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden would not send ministers to meetings connected to Hungary's EU presidency this month. This protest follows Orban’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Jessika Roswall confirmed that these countries would be represented only by civil servants, and additional EU member countries are considering similar measures.
Conclusion
The diplomatic tensions between Hungary and the EU Commission highlight the complex interplay of national and regional politics within the European Union. Hungary's accusations of selective participation by the EU Commission underscore the broader issues of political alignment and cooperation within the EU, particularly as individual member states navigate their diplomatic engagements and internal political agendas.