EU Parliament Grapples with Hungary's Controversial Presidency Amid Ukraine Conflict

European Parliament leaders will discuss how to engage with Hungary, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, following criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visits to Russia and China. European lawmakers claim Orban implied he was representing the entire EU during these visits. The parliament also navigates increased far-right representation.

The European Parliament's organizing body is set to deliberate on how to engage with Hungary during its tenure holding the EU's rotating presidency. This follows criticism aimed at Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his recent visits to Russia and China, which he framed as 'peace missions' to end the Ukraine conflict.

Orban's actions have drawn sharp rebukes from other EU countries and leaders. A group of 63 European lawmakers accused him of implying he was acting on behalf of the entire EU during his Moscow and Beijing trips. 'Attacks from pro-war European politicians only strengthen Hungary's resolve for its peace mission,' said Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijarto.

Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, stated that the body has already started discussions on how to engage with Hungary following these criticisms. This will likely be a continued point of discussion as the parliament navigates a new term marked by increased far-right representation.

(With inputs from agencies.)