President of the European Council Charles Michel responded to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, reminding him that the Council presidency does not give a mandate to act on behalf of the EU. He also emphasized that the EU's position in support of Ukraine was agreed unanimously and will remain unchanged for as long as necessary.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Radio Liberty.
According to Michel, he takes into account the opinions and suggestions of the Hungarian prime minister, but reminds him that the EU's position on Ukraine was agreed by consensus and confirmed during the last summit of leaders held in June.
“We, the EU, have reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensively as necessary,” Michel wrote.
He also drew attention to the lack of a mandate for Hungary, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, to speak on behalf of the union in the international arena.
“I made this clear even before your visit to Moscow, and it was subsequently reiterated by High Representative Borrell in his statement of July 5,” the European Council president wrote.-
At the same time, Michel rejects Orban's claim that the EU has been pursuing a “pro-war policy,” pointing out that the situation is the opposite: “Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the victim exercising its legitimate right to self-defense.”
In the letter, Michel draws attention to the fact that no discussion about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine.
“The EU has consistently sought to build broad international support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law, in line with the key principles and objectives of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. The EU spares no effort to reach out to all partners in this regard, including China,” he emphasized.-
Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 17/07/2024