The European Parliament adopted its first resolution for the 2024-2029 term on July 17, strongly criticising Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent trip to Moscow, while reiterating the EU’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. 

The resolution, passed with 495 votes in favour, 137 against, and 47 abstentions, condemned the visit by Orban — whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council — as a “blatant violation of EU treaties and common foreign policy”. 

Orban “cannot claim to represent the Union”, the resolution stated.

“This violation should result in repercussions for Hungary,” MEPs added.

Shortly after the Hungarian prime minister’s self-styled “peace mission”, Russia attacked the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, the resolution pointed out.

The resolution was co-signed by the European People's Party (EPP), Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Renew Europe, and Greens-European Free Alliance groups.

Valérie Hayer, president of Renew Europe, commented: "Today we reiterate that the position of the European Parliament and other EU institutions is not the position of Prime Minister Orban. We note and condemn the barbaric attack on the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, just hours after Victor Orbán’s visit to Moscow. Prime Minister Orban’s actions are a blatant violation and there must be consequences. It is time to reign in Victor Orbán’s rogue Presidency of the Council."

Previously, a letter sent by 63 MEPs to the leaders of the European Union highlighted significant concerns about Orban’s actions during Hungary's presidency of the Council of the EU, Politico reported.

The European Commission has also responded by instructing its commissioners not to attend Hungary’s informal ministers’ meetings, a directive announced on July 15.

The situation reflects the ongoing tensions between Hungary and other EU member states over Orban's approach to EU diplomacy and governance.

MEPs argued in the letter that Orban has been exploiting and abusing his role as leader of the country that holds the rotating EU Council presidency, causing substantial damage to the EU's diplomatic standing.

Hungary assumed the presidency of the Council of the EU from Belgium on July 1. Since then, Orban has initiated "peace missions" to Kyiv, Beijing and Washington as well as the controversial visit to Moscow, claiming to represent the EU — but without authorisation.

The MEPs accused Orban of misrepresenting his authority during these diplomatic visits, particularly during his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In their letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, the MEPs argued that Orban's actions warrant a robust response. They called for concrete measures, such as suspending Hungary’s voting rights in the Council, as verbal condemnations have proved ineffective.