Bloomberg reports, citing sources, that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the European Union summit in Copenhagen yesterday.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the “showdown” occurred during a discussion about how the EU can ensure its defense and support for Ukraine.
“Friedrich Merz criticized Viktor Orbán at a meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen on Wednesday, accusing the Hungarian prime minister of sabotaging discussions on the alliance’s security,” the report states.
According to the authors, this dispute is yet another sign of discontent with Orbán within the European Union. As Bloomberg notes, the Hungarian prime minister has repeatedly used his veto to suspend sanctions against Russia and opposes Ukraine’s EU membership.
On the eve of his departure for the EU summit, Viktor Orbán said he expected a “cage fight” at the informal meeting in Copenhagen, as other countries regularly put pressure on Budapest over the Ukrainian issue.