Erdoğan and Orban; Europe’s two maverick leaders

Erdoğan paid a visit to Orban of Hungary recently. I feel pity for the EU. One from the inside, the other from the outside (!)

Erdoğan visits Hungary in bid to ‘deepen strategic partnership’

Hungary Vetoes EU Aid Package for Ukraine

Hungary blocks $54bn EU financial aid for Ukraine

Climate friendly, carpool diplomacy between Erdogan and Orban in Budapest. Good for the environment and bilateral relations 🇹🇷🇭🇺 pic.twitter.com/QtrxWD62CM

— Yusuf Erim (@YusufErim34) December 18, 2023

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently vetoed a massive European Union aid package for Ukraine, which promised $54.5 billion over four years to combat Russian advances, particularly as Ukraine prepares for another harsh winter offensive[1][2]. Orban’s veto was linked to the EU’s withholding of billions of euros due to concerns about democratic backsliding in Hungary. He pressed for Hungary to receive all of its own funds before the EU provides aid to Ukraine[1][3]. Despite Orban’s veto, EU leaders have pledged that Ukraine will still receive the aid package, with or without Orban’s support[5].

Citations:
[1] https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/12/15/hungary-orban-veto-eu-ukraine-aid-package-membership-bid-russia/
[2] https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20231215-hungary-s-orban-blocks-eu-aid-for-ukraine-following-membership-discussions
[3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-15/orban-presses-for-hungary-s-eu-funds-in-return-for-ukraine-aid
[4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/15/hungary-blocks-54bn-eu-financial-aid-for-ukraine
[5] https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-leaders-pledge-deliver-aid-flagging-ukraine-soon-dismissing-orbans-veto/

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban have pledged to strengthen their countries’ ties, marking the 100th anniversary of Turkish-Hungarian diplomatic relations. During Erdogan’s visit to Budapest, the two leaders declared an “enhanced strategic partnership” and discussed deepening cooperation in areas such as defense, energy, and trade. They also exchanged transport-themed gifts, with Orban presenting Erdogan with a Hungarian Nonius horse, and Erdogan giving Orban a new Turkish-made electric car. Despite their divergent stances on certain issues, such as Israel, the leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing their bilateral relationship[1][2][5].

 

Citations:
[1] https://www.dw.com/en/erdogan-and-orban-pledge-closer-ties-in-budapest-meeting/a-67760767
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/18/turkeys-erdogan-and-hungarys-orban-pledge-to-strengthen-ties-in-budapest
[3] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkish-president-erdogan-heads-to-hungary-for-talks/3085674
[4] https://www.euronews.com/2023/12/18/erdogan-arrives-in-budapest-to-mark-100-years-of-turkish-hungarian-diplomatic-relations
[5] https://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/news/542/150582/-we-have-elevated-our-relations-with-hungary-to-the-level-of-enhanced-strategic-partnership-