According to German newspapers, the EU’s reaction to Viktor Orbán’s peace mission proves that the EU’s future is at risk, as it does nothing to stop the escalation in Ukraine, and undermines the diplomatic efforts of a member state.
Many things are held against Viktor Orbán, but the fact that a diplomatic initiative, which other member states have not been able or willing to undertake, is thrown in his face shows how far the European Union has strayed from its previous aspiration to be a force for peace – writes the Berliner Zeitung concerning the Hungarian Prime Minister’s peace mission and the boycott it received in response.
The fact that they even considered at the highest level to abolish fundamental EU rules, such as the rotating presidency, to punish Viktor Orbán, is a warning sign for the future of the EU –
claims the article, which states that the escalation of the war in Ukraine could completely destroy the EU, yet it does nothing to avert the danger, and instead undermines the diplomatic attempts of a member state.
Meanwhile, FAZ writes that the symbolic punishment of Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, weakens Europe internally, as the majority of member states do not want to boycott the defense and foreign ministers meeting in Budapest, on the contrary, they claim that after Viktor Orbán’s peace mission, it is even more important for them to be present in Hungary.
“Europeans have scored an own goal again, while demonstrating their inability to act in unity. Borrell is largely responsible for this disaster,” the author adds.
Translated and Edited by Iván Hajda
