Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced his plan to “Make Europe Great Again” during Hungary’s six-month presidency of the European Union. Orbán raised eyebrows last week with surprise visits to Ukraine, Russia, and China, engaging in talks with key global adversaries of the EU.
Endorsing former President Donald Trump and well-known for his warm ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Orbán recently attended a NATO summit in Washington before meeting Trump at Mar-a-Lago. He described his actions as part of a “peace mission” to help resolve Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
These moves have led to criticism from EU leaders, with some accusing Orbán of abusing the EU presidency for his own agenda. Analysts suggest that Orbán’s actions risk isolating Hungary further from its Western allies and could undermine EU and NATO efforts to assist Ukraine.
Orbán’s affinity towards Putin and advocacy for closer economic ties with China has caused concern within the EU. Some European governments are weighing the option of boycotting upcoming informal meetings in Budapest related to Hungary’s rotating presidency.
The backlash against Orbán reflects a growing impatience within the EU and NATO with his disruptive behavior. Hungary has faced accusations of violating EU standards on democracy, the rule of law, and corruption, resulting in delayed funds from the EU.
By engaging in secret meetings with countries viewed as adversaries by the West, Orbán is seen as pursuing a self-serving foreign policy agenda. Some critics view Orbán’s actions as an attempt to boost his political standing domestically and globally, rather than significantly impacting international affairs.
Orbán’s recent meeting with Trump drew criticism from the White House, with concerns raised about the potential impact on Ukraine. The adamant stance of the U.S. administration emphasizes the importance of including Ukraine in any discussions regarding its future.
Despite asserting Hungary’s right to an independent foreign policy, Orbán’s actions have raised questions about his true intentions and the potential consequences for Hungary’s standing within the EU and NATO.
