Estonia Boycotts EU Meetings Hosted by Hungary: A Stand Against Russia and China

Estonia has decided to boycott meetings of EU ministers hosted by Hungary, citing disagreements over Hungary’s policies towards Russia and China. The Estonian government believes Hungary has misused its EU presidency role and undermined its credibility. Specifically, Estonia criticizes Hungary’s uncoordinated visit of Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Moscow, which they argue does not benefit the EU’s unified foreign policy and hinders peace efforts in Ukraine. Additionally, Estonia condemns Hungary’s promotion of a Ukraine peace plan that they view as aligned with Russia’s interests and its easing of entry restrictions for workers from Russia and Belarus. These actions, according to Estonia, pose a security threat to the entire EU. As a response, Estonia will participate in official EU meetings in Brussels but will skip informal ministerial gatherings hosted by Hungary.