The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, plans to hold a “formal” ministerial meeting at the same time as Hungary’s informal foreign affairs summit in late August, according to Politico. This move has been criticized by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto as both “regrettable” and childish. The decision comes after Western officials expressed anger at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his tour to Russia, Ukraine, China, and the US aimed at resolving conflict between Moscow and Kiev.
Szijjarto has yet to receive an invitation from Borrell to the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on August 28-29 and says he’s heard reports that his counterpart is “trying to do some maneuvering.” He stated that this does not come as a surprise, as Borrell has overseen “the most unsuccessful period of European foreign policy” ever in the past five years. The minister went on to say that the need for such petty behavior is more regrettable than outrageous at a time when the EU is dealing with “much bigger problems,” apparently referring to the Ukraine conflict.
Szijjarto expressed relief that Borrell would soon be leaving his post, admitting that he had worked with three EU foreign policy high representatives and each time one’s term expired he was sure it couldn’t get worse but was always wrong. Borrell is set to be replaced by outgoing Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, known for her hawkish stance on Russia and ardent support of military aid to Ukraine. In contrast, Budapest has consistently called for a ceasefire, opposed arms shipments to Kiev, and denounced sanctions against Moscow as ineffective and crippling to the EU economy.