Borrell: Hungarian PM Orbán Has No Mandate from the EU Council for Visit to Russia

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is making his visit to Moscow today on his own initiative and does not represent the European Union.

This was stated by the current EU High Representative Josep Borrell.

"Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Moscow is being carried out exclusively within the framework of bilateral relations between Hungary and Russia... Prime Minister Orban has not received any mandate from the EU Council for this visit to Moscow. The EU's position on Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine is reflected in many conclusions of the European Council. This position excludes official contacts between the EU and President Putin. Thus, the Hungarian Prime Minister does not represent the EU in any form," Borrell said. 

He stressed that Hungary holds the presidency of the EU Council until 31 December 2024 and does not represent the interests of the European Union externally - this is the responsibility of the President of the European Council and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

"It is also worth recalling that Putin has been indicted by the International Criminal Court and an arrest warrant has been issued for his role in the forced deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia," the EU High Representative added.

Earlier, European Council President Charles Michel said that the country holding the EU presidency does not have the authority to interact with Russia on behalf of the EU.

On Friday, 5 July, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is reportedly visiting the aggressor country of Russia, just a few days after his visit to Ukraine.