European Commission president cancels visit to Hungary

European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen has canceled the EC board's visit to Budapest due to recent developments concerning Hungary's presidency of the EU Council.

Consequently, the EC will only be represented at the Council's informal meetings by senior civil servants. Eric Mamer, the spokesperson for the EC President, stated that von der Leyen canceled the visit "in light of recent events that marked the Hungarian presidency", Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.

"...in light of the recent events that marked the beginning of Hungary's presidency [in the EU Council]," the European Commission, by von der Leyen's decision, will be represented at the level of senior civil servants only at informal meetings of the Council," Mamer said.

The cancellation of the European Commission (EC) board's visit to Budapest by President Ursula von der Leyen comes amidst heightened tensions and controversies surrounding Hungary's presidency of the EU Council. This decision underscores the ongoing friction between Hungary and other EU member states regarding issues of governance, rule of law, and democratic principles.

Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has faced criticism from the European Union for perceived backsliding on democratic norms, judicial independence, and media freedom. The Hungarian government's policies and actions have often been at odds with the EU's foundational values, leading to numerous clashes within the EU institutions.

The decision to cancel the visit and limit the EC's representation at the Council's informal meetings to senior civil servants reflects the EC's disapproval and concern over Hungary's recent conduct. This move is seen as a significant diplomatic gesture, signaling the EC's stance on the importance of upholding EU principles and the rule of law, especially during a member state's presidency of the EU Council.

The Hungarian presidency, which involves chairing meetings, setting agendas, and representing the Council in relations with other EU institutions, is a crucial role that requires adherence to the EU's values and standards. The recent events and the EC's subsequent response highlight the ongoing challenges within the EU in maintaining unity and coherence among its member states.