Sweden demands review of Hungary's EU Council role after controversial visits

Leader of Sweden's largest Social Democratic Labour Party and former prime minister Magdalena Andersson has urged the Swedish government to consider removing Hungary from its position as the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Her call for action follows recent visits by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Moscow and Beijing, Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.  

Andersson criticized Orban for using Hungary's EU presidency to endorse Putin's war in Ukraine while Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom. She expressed her expectation that Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will work to have the EU review and potentially suspend Hungary's presidency.

Recent visits by Orbán to Moscow and Beijing have raised concerns among EU leaders and member states. During these visits, Orbán met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, actions perceived by critics as undermining EU solidarity and supporting Putin’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Orbán’s meetings with these leaders have been viewed as attempts to legitimize Russia's invasion of Ukraine and strengthen ties with authoritarian regimes.

Sweden, as a fellow EU member, has been actively engaged in discussions about how to address these issues within the European Union.