Orbán may invite Trump to EU summit in Budapest, stirring reactions among leaders

“Officials acknowledge the risk that Orbán might invite Trump to join the dinner via remote connection, a last-minute surprise that could spark a backlash in the room,” the report states.

However, the article notes that some leaders with liberal leanings, such as Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico or Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, “might welcome a chance to greet America's 47th president.”

EU leaders' summit in Budapest

Today and tomorrow, almost all European leaders will meet in Budapest for a high-level summit extending through mid-Friday.

The first event will be the European Political Community (EPC) meeting — a broader format established after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, bringing together leaders from across the continent, including non-EU countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, the United Kingdom, Türkiye, and Western Balkan nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Budapest for the summit, marking his first visit to Hungary since the start of the full-scale Russia-Ukraine war.

The summit participants will discuss European security challenges, Russia’s war against Ukraine, the escalation in the Middle East, illegal migration, and issues related to the economy and connectivity in sectors like energy, transportation, IT, and global trade.

After the EPC meeting, Orbán will host a dinner for EU leaders present in Budapest. At the dinner, they will discuss the future of EU-US relations and the situation in Georgia.

Additionally, the Hungarian prime minister, whose country holds the presidency of the EU Council, will chair an informal summit for the 27 EU leaders, during which a “New European Competitiveness Deal” is expected to be adopted.