POLITICO: Hungary blocks EU statement against Belarus

The European Union’s attempts to agree on a joint position regarding Belarus have stalled for several days after a wave of balloons crossed from its territory into Lithuania, forcing aircraft to stay grounded and borders to close.

Hungary has sought to soften the language but without success, POLITICO reports.

According to the outlet, the bloc planned to issue a statement on behalf of all 27 member states following what Lithuania described as a “hybrid war” tactic involving the balloons.

However, a diplomat and two officials told POLITICO that Hungary has been lobbying to prevent the EU from publishing an assessment stating that the balloon flights were an attempt to destabilise member countries.

Though some remain optimistic that Budapest will soften its stance, the dispute has stalled the draft statement since October 28, when it was first circulated to member states after Lithuania activated its air defences in response to the wave of incursions.

Additionally, the car-sized balloons likely used for cigarette smuggling have raised concerns over aviation safety.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys told the outlet that the incidents highlight the need for the EU to strengthen joint emergency preparedness and introduce new sanctions against Belarus.

On October 27, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė announced that the country would close its border with Belarus indefinitely in response to the incursions. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko dismissed any wrongdoing and described Lithuania’s reaction as “petty.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his populist stance, has repeatedly obstructed EU positions critical of Russia, opposing new sanctions on its energy exports and vetoing Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc.

Back in August, Hungary declined to sign a statement condemning Russian attacks on Ukraine, including one that struck the EU’s representative office in Kyiv, forcing the declaration to be issued on behalf of the remaining 26 member states.

The EU missions of Hungary and Lithuania did not respond to requests for comment.

By Jeyhun Aghazada