European Commission announces measures regarding Hungary's presidency in response to Orbán's "peacemaking trips"

In response to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s "peacemaking trips", European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has cancelled a visit to Hungary by the College of Commissioners and changed the level of representation at Council meetings for the duration of the Hungarian presidency.

Source: European Pravda with reference to European Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer

Details: Mamer said the decision had been made "in light of recent developments marking the start of the Hungarian Presidency". A few days ago, he made it clear that the European Commission was preparing consequences for Hungary due to Orbán’s uncoordinated visit to Moscow.

"The President has decided that the European Commission will be represented at senior civil servant level only during informal meetings of the Council. The College visit to the Presidency will not take place," Mamer reported. This means that European Commissioners will not attend informal meetings organised by the Hungarian presidency.

Background: 

• The European Union’s legal service has determined that the Hungarian premier’s talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin during his trip to Russia last week contravene EU treaties.
• There have been media reports that EU member states are considering various options for penalising Hungary for the uncoordinated visit to Russia.

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