EU struggles to contain Hungary’s Orbán amid rising tensions

The European Union is increasingly frustrated with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán but finds it challenging to impose real consequences on him.

During a heated meeting on July 10, Hungary's envoy to the EU, Bálint Ódor, faced severe criticism from his Brussels counterparts about Hungary's actions since taking over the rotating EU presidency. One senior EU diplomat described it as "unprecedented that the presidency would be reprimanded in such a way by all the others," with only Slovakia abstaining from criticism, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Orbán's "peace missions" to Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing, and Washington have been controversial. Hungary's EU Minister János Bóka defended these visits, stating they were not on behalf of the EU and that Orbán had debriefed EU leaders responsibly. However, EU ambassadors argued that Orbán blurred lines deliberately and went against the spirit of EU unity, with one diplomat saying, "The lines were clearly and deliberately blurred. And Orbán went counter to the letter and spirit of EUCO conclusions, thereby hurting EU unity."

Despite public condemnations, options for the EU are limited. Changing or shortening Hungary's presidency is legally complex, and no ambassadors suggested scrapping it. Estonian MEP Riho Terras is seeking support to trigger Article 7 of the Treaty on the European Union, which involves suspending Hungary's voting rights. Still, this "nuclear option" has been avoided so far.

EU officials acknowledge Orbán's shrewdness, with one noting, "he knows exactly how far he can go without risking immediate retaliation." Practical consequences, such as boycotting informal meetings organized by Budapest, have been suggested. At the first Hungarian Council meeting on July 9, only eight countries sent ministers. Although Bóka downplayed the possibility of future boycotts, EU diplomats warned that retaliation remains on the table, describing the July 10 meeting as a "yellow card."

As the situation with Budapest escalates, Brussels may consider stronger measures if Orbán crosses more red lines, including in his interactions with former U.S. President Donald Trump. For now, the conflict continues.