Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer MEP called on the European Council to explore all legal means in order to stop the Hungarian Presidency of the Council and hand it over to Poland.

"The Hungarian Prime Minister is undermining positions adopted by the European Union and acting contrary to our interests and it has to stop. It is time to rein in Victor Orbán’s rogue Presidency of the Council,” said Hayer.

“His pretend peace mission is a security threat, his isolated communication is only a smoke screen for his own interests and fails miserably. Russia’s recent attacks, including on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, 48h after a supposed peace mission, are simply sickening."

In the first Plenary session of the new-look European Parliament this week, Renew Europe will aim to secure an urgent debate on the behaviour of the Hungarian Presidency, in the presence of European Council President Charles Michel. 

The Group believes that President Michel should state clearly that Orbán does not speak on behalf of the EU, and should clarify the responsibilities and mandate of the European Council on foreign affairs, stressing the need for the Council to clean up its own house.

Renew Europe strongly objects the Hungarian Prime Minister's attempt to manipulate the Hungarian presidency to pursue pretend peace missions to Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing and Washington, whilst pushing messages that are contrary to positions adopted by the EU.

The Group also calls on the Hungarian Government to cease using the logo of their Presidency in non-sanctioned communications that harm the Union.

Finally, Renew Europe demands that the Council and Commission take responsibility and finally take further steps to apply Article 7, which could lead to the removal of Hungary’s voting rights.