EU Foreign Ministers Express Frustration with Hungary’s Blocking Tactics

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Criticizes Hungary for Blocking EU Decisions on Military Aid for Ukraine

In a bold move, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis publicly criticized Hungary on Monday for consistently blocking European Union decisions on foreign affairs, particularly military aid for Ukraine. Landsbergis expressed frustration with Budapest’s veto power and called for the EU to find a way to work around Hungary’s obstruction.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels before a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Landsbergis emphasized the detrimental impact of Hungary’s actions on EU foreign policy initiatives. He highlighted Hungary’s blocking of decisions on military aid to Ukraine, the start of EU membership talks for Kyiv, and issues concerning Georgia and Armenia. Landsbergis pointed out that Hungary’s stance often aligns with Russia’s foreign policy interests, hindering the EU’s ability to act decisively.

The Lithuanian Foreign Minister revealed that Hungary has blocked approximately 41% of EU resolutions on Ukraine, a concerning statistic that underscores the extent of Hungary’s obstructionism. Landsbergis stressed the need for the EU to find alternative ways to move forward in the face of Hungary’s opposition.

Other EU member states, including Estonia and Italy, also expressed dissatisfaction with Hungary’s blocking tactics. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna echoed Landsbergis’ sentiments, emphasizing the need to convince Hungary to support important initiatives during EU meetings. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani voiced opposition to Hungary’s obstruction and called for progress to be made.

The frustration with Hungary’s actions has been building within the EU, with diplomats criticizing Budapest for impeding crucial decisions related to the European Peace Facility (EPF), a fund that provides military aid to Ukraine. The situation has raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against aggression and has sparked calls for Hungary to reconsider its position.

As tensions rise within the EU over Hungary’s veto power, the bloc faces the challenge of finding a way to overcome the obstacles posed by Budapest. The ongoing dispute underscores the complexities of EU decision-making and the need for unity among member states in shaping the bloc’s foreign policy agenda.

(Reporting by Andrew Gray and Tassilo Hummel; Editing by Gareth Jones)