The European Union's (EU) top diplomats and defense ministers gathered in Brussels for their much-anticipated summit on August 28, but the event was quickly overshadowed by a diplomatic spat involving Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Originally scheduled to take place in Budapest, the summit's relocation to Belgium's capital stirred controversy even before the delegates tackled the first agenda item.
Orban, who has been fervently touring the globe to advocate for peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, has a history of clashing with other EU leaders over domestic policies. His close ties with Russia's President Vladimir Putin have only intensified tensions within the bloc.
The decision to move the summit was made swiftly by Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, sidelining the Hungarian host. This unilateral move exposed underlying power struggles within the EU, leaving member states unsettled and casting a shadow over the summit's proceedings.
Observers suggest that the abrupt change highlights the fragility of EU unity, especially when dealing with complex geopolitical issues. As the summit continues, all eyes will be on how these tensions impact the EU's ability to present a cohesive stance on critical global matters.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
