Time to end Victor Orbán’s rogue Presidency of the Council of the EU

As a direct response following Prime Minister Orbán's isolated actions, the President of Renew Europe calls the European Council to explore all legal means in order to stop the Hungarian Presidency of the Council and hand it over to Poland.

Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, said:

"The Hungarian Prime Minister is undermining positions adopted by the European Union and acting contrary to our interests and it has to stop. It is time to reign in Victor Orbán’s rogue Presidency of the Council. His pretend peace mission is a security threat, his isolated communication is only a smoke screen for his own interests and fails miserably. Russia’s recent attacks, including on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, 48h after a supposed peace mission, are simply sickening."

The President of Renew Europe will furthermore secure an urgent debate on the behaviour of the Hungarian Presidency next week, in the presence of Charles Michel, European Council President.

We ask that Charles Michel clarifies the responsibilities and mandate of the European Council on foreign affairs, stressing the need for the Council to clean up its own house. I expect the President of the Council to state clearly that Orbán doesn't speak on behalf of the EU.

Renew Europe objects, in the strongest terms, to the Hungarian Prime Minister's attempt to manipulate the Hungarian presidency to pursue pretend peace missions to Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing and Washington, whilst pushing messages that are contrary to positions adopted by the EU. We also call the Hungarian Government to cease using the logo of their Presidency in non-sanctioned communications that harm the Union.

Finally, Renew Europe demands that the Council and Commission take responsibility and finally take further steps to apply Article 7, which could lead to the removal of Hungary’s voting rights.