German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said at a press conference in Berlin that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cannot currently travel on behalf of the EU. Hebestreit stressed that the authority to speak on behalf of the EU belongs to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and EU Council President Charles Michel.
Statement from the German Foreign Ministry
German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer stated that Hungary should leave its national demands behind during its EU presidency. Deschauer expressed surprise that Hungary cancelled the meeting planned by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.
Criticism of the Austrian Deputy
Austrian MP Helmut Brandstatter insulted Viktor Orban by calling him a ‘clown.’ Brandstatter criticized Orban’s meetings with China and Russia.
Orban’s Visits to China and Russia
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who holds the EU Presidency, held separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. These visits sparked discussions within the EU.
