The European Union expects further problems with Budapest, and Viktor Orban, the head of the Hungarian government, is now more isolated in the European Union than ever before.
EU increasingly doubts about Hungary, writes The Guardian, citing words from senior EU diplomats. One of the anonymous sources said in a conversation with the publication:
“Orbán’s recent meeting with Putin in Beijing and the way the Hungarian prime minister compared the EU to the Soviet Union calls into question whether we can still trust this country as an ally and partner.”
The diplomat believes that problems with Hungary “are likely to become deeper and deeper, and will increasingly threaten joint decisions on strategically important issues.”
Another senior diplomat noted that “Hungary is becoming increasingly isolated as the delay in Sweden’s NATO membership has a negative impact on the security of all allies.”
Hungary will hold the presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2024, giving it greater influence on European policymaking. Some European officials don’t think isolation will change the Hungarian leader’s behavior. There is also speculation that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico could become an ally of Orban in some European political battles.
Hungary acknowledges that the country could become more isolated. A senior Hungarian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted:
“There is a lot of uncertainty about the future… But what is certain is that there will be a greater risk of being isolated in the future.”
Meanwhile, Orban was reminded that no one is holding Budapest in the EU by force, and if Hungary feels unhappy in the European Union, it can always leave.
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