Merz and Orbán clash at summit in Denmark: Media reveals details of dispute
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during the EU leaders’ meeting in Copenhagen, Bloomberg reports.
According to the outlet, the dispute arose during discussions on plans to strengthen the European Union’s security and support for Ukraine.
Merz reproached Orbán for disrupting negotiations, as the Hungarian prime minister had repeatedly blocked sanctions against Russia and opposed Ukraine’s European integration aspirations.
This intensified the debate against the backdrop of the EU’s efforts to unite around plans to bolster defense capabilities, especially after a series of airspace violations by Russia.
"This was intense, it was an especially exciting European summit," Orbán said, commenting on the outcome of the meeting.
The German government declined to officially comment on the situation. Hungarian representatives have also not yet responded to journalists’ requests.
Recent statements by Orbán
During the EU leaders’ summit in Copenhagen (Denmark), Orbán exchanged barbs with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who reminded that their critical stance toward each other over the war in Ukraine has been well known for many years.
Orbán also cynically stated that if Ukraine joins the European Union, member states would be forced to pay Kyiv through various programs, which is why Budapest opposes EU enlargement.
In addition, the Hungarian prime minister accused Brussels of intending to "start a war in Europe."
