Senior government ministers from Ireland, Luxembourg, and Belgium publicly criticized Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's administration, questioning its adherence to European Union values and standards. The criticism comes as Hungary holds the rotating presidency of the 27-nation bloc.
Orbán's visit to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin raised eyebrows among EU counterparts, who disavowed his actions. Luxembourg's Foreign Minister highlighted the concern, suggesting that Hungarian politicians' frequent trips to Moscow were questionable.
Aside from its ties with Russia, Orbán's government has faced criticism for its stance on migrants, LGBTQ+ rights, and control over public media. The EU has frozen millions of euros in funds over concerns about democratic regression in Hungary.
The ministers emphasized the importance of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. They engaged with Hungarian media, civil society, and LGBTQ+ representatives to address their concerns about the future of Europe.
The ministers' public criticism, made directly to Hungarian media, was a rare display of discord among EU member states. They urged Hungary to lift its veto on EU funds for supplying weapons to Ukraine and called for unity among EU member states.
Several EU countries have been sending lower-level officials to meetings hosted by Hungary in protest, with the EU foreign policy chief relocating a recent gathering from Budapest to Brussels. The ministers' visit to Budapest marked a significant escalation in tensions.
As Hungary's EU presidency nears its end on Dec. 31, the public criticism underscores the growing unease within the bloc regarding Hungary's policies and actions.
