EU Foreign Ministers to Meet in Brussels

In a significant move reflecting tensions within the European Union, the informal meeting of foreign and defense ministers originally scheduled for Budapest will now take place in Brussels. EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, announced this decision on July 22, emphasizing the need to send a symbolic message regarding Hungary's unilateral diplomatic actions concerning Ukraine. Borrell criticized Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his independent "peace missions" to various countries, which have drawn ire from other EU member states. The decision to relocate the meeting follows mounting pressure from several EU nations that expressed dissatisfaction with Hungary's approach, which they believe undermines EU unity. Reports indicate that while 13 member states supported holding the meeting in Budapest, five threatened to withdraw their participation, and eight left the decision to Borrell. This division highlights the growing rift within the EU regarding Hungary's foreign policy stance. Supporters of Hungary, including Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, defended the country’s peace initiatives, suggesting that the EU's response was disproportionate. However, Borrell reiterated that Hungary, as an EU member, is obligated to adhere to the bloc's collective foreign policy principles as outlined in Article 24.3 of the EU treaties. He stressed that while member states maintain sovereignty in foreign affairs, they must act in accordance with EU treaties to foster loyalty and solidarity among members. The shift of the meeting venue underscores the ongoing challenges the EU faces in maintaining cohesion among its diverse member states, particularly in the context of foreign policy and diplomatic relations.