LUXEMBOURG — The atmosphere among EU foreign ministers was significantly more optimistic during their meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday, marking a departure from the longstanding stalemate that had characterized their discussions.
Following the electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán, Hungarian representatives brought a sense of renewed hope to the negotiations. For years, Orbán’s government had obstructed various initiatives, but the prospect of new leadership in Budapest has prompted diplomats to express a belief that key issues could finally be addressed.
Fresh hopes for EU initiatives
From support for Ukraine to sanctions against aggressive settlers in the West Bank, ministers indicated that long-stalled discussions might now gain momentum. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, reflecting on the previous atmosphere, remarked,
“It was really depressing to gather in the foreign council because everyone knew that whatever we talk about, we are not going to make progress.”
However, he noted a marked change in sentiment, adding,
“Now there is definitely a new feeling in the room … I wouldn’t say ecstatic, but it’s definitely more hopeful.”
Tsahkna also mentioned a recent phone conversation with Anita Orbán, Hungary’s newly appointed foreign minister, who conveyed a clear message:
“She told me that Hungarians chose Europe.”
Just a week after Hungary’s pivotal election, the implications are already resonating throughout the EU. Orbán hinted that Budapest might lift its veto on the €90 billion loan to Ukraine very soon, following discussions with senior European Commission officials.
Pathway to new agreements
Ministers in Luxembourg expressed a desire to cement additional agreements, including the unblocking of a 20th sanctions package against Russia and measures against violent settlers in the West Bank, which had previously garnered unanimous support from all EU countries except Hungary. There is also renewed interest in advancing the EU’s enlargement policy, which has stalled largely due to Orbán’s reluctance to endorse Ukraine’s membership.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, emphasized the need to revisit decisions that had long been mired in controversy, including the initiation of negotiations with Ukraine and addressing funding for their military needs through the EU’s Peace Facility.
According to one diplomat present during the closed discussions,
“There was a totally new mood in the room … One after the other, the ministers gave their analysis of the situation … There’s a sense that on so many of these files, perhaps now there is a way forward.”
Discussions revolved around not just sanctions, but also a stronger EU stance on various geopolitical challenges.
On this occasion, Hungary was represented by Bálint Ódor, the country’s long-term permanent representative in Brussels, as Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó was absent from the meeting. Ódor reportedly maintained silence during the initial discussions.
Much of the dialogue in Luxembourg focused on the potential changes expected with Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister, Péter Magyar. There are uncertainties about how Magyar will position himself, particularly since many of his supporters have historical ties to Orbán.
As Orbán steps down, other EU nations that previously aligned with Hungary may be compelled to clarify their positions, especially regarding EU enlargement discussions, according to Tsahkna.
However, divisions within the EU concerning foreign policy, especially in relation to Israel and the Middle East, remain apparent. Spain, Belgium, and Slovenia utilized this meeting to advocate for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement due to recent developments, including a controversial death penalty law and humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot characterized Israel’s actions as
“completely unacceptable,”
calling for a more assertive EU response on sanctions. Despite this push, proposals to suspend the agreement faced resistance, particularly from Germany and Italy, further highlighting the complexities of EU unity in foreign policy matters.
As discussions unfold, the EU stands at a crucial juncture, with the potential for significant diplomatic shifts on the horizon.