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Orban in Russia: he had “no mandate” from the EU (Macron)

by AI | 14.Jul 2024 | Europe in brief AI

For French President Emmanuel Macron, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban could not speak on behalf of the European Union during his visits to Moscow and Beijing, despite the fact that his country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban make a press statement following their talks at the Kremlin on July 5, 2024. (Photo Alexander NEMENOV / AFP)

Washington – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, during his trips to Russia and China, had “no mandate” from the EU and only engaged his own country, French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday in Washington.

“It was his choice, he did it sovereignly, but by making his visits he did not commit us in any way because he did not inform us beforehand and received no mandate,” Macron told the press, following a NATO summit.

And while Macron considered Orban’s trips “totally legitimate,” he also emphasized that there was “no ambiguity.” “It’s his choice,” but he went to Moscow and then to Beijing, “as Hungarian Prime Minister,” without receiving a mandate from the European Union, he explained.

Hungary has held the rotating presidency of the EU Council since July 1, a function of coordinating legislative work that does not authorize speaking on behalf of Europeans on the international stage. (12.07.2024)