Eurozone ministers meet amid Hungary’s stance on Putin

A meeting of eurozone finance ministers scheduled for September 13 in Budapest is facing potential cancellation due to Hungary's close ties with Russia, particularly under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Eurogroup chief Paschal Donohoe is expected to make a decision by next week, as several EU officials express concerns over Hungary's stance. The situation has led to discussions among ministers about boycotting the meeting, reflecting rising tensions within the EU regarding Hungary's foreign policy. Orbán's recent diplomatic missions to Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing, and Washington, where he claimed to represent the EU without authorization, have drawn criticism from various EU member states. Notably, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner and ministers from Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania have indicated they will not attend if the meeting proceeds. This discontent is compounded by the European Commission's decision to withdraw its top officials from any meetings during Hungary's presidency, which lasts until the end of the year. The backdrop of these developments includes a public meeting in July where multiple finance ministers condemned Orbán for prioritizing relations with Putin over support for Ukraine. The EU's diplomatic chief has also shifted upcoming foreign and defense minister meetings from Budapest to Brussels, signaling a broader disapproval of Hungary's current leadership. Donohoe's decision will likely be influenced by the atmosphere at the Brussels talks, as he assesses the willingness of other ministers to participate in the Budapest meeting. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for Hungary's role within the EU and its relationships with other member states.