Estonia's Foreign Minister Calls Hungary Part of Putin's Team

Date: April 5, 2025
By: Oleh Pavliuk

In a striking assertion, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has stated that Hungary has aligned itself with Russia and is obstructing European Union efforts against the Kremlin. Speaking in an interview with the German publication Rheinische Post, Tsahkna expressed concerns that Hungary's actions could lead the EU to consider stripping the country of its voting rights in the EU Council.

Rising Tensions Within the EU

Tsahkna emphasized a growing consensus among EU member states recognizing Russia as a significant threat. He underscored the need for the bloc to bolster its defenses, dismissing claims of a division among European nations. "Let's be honest: to be divided, you need two big parties. With Hungary, we have a very weak country that is part of Putin's team, not part of our European team," he said.

Hungary has recently gained notoriety for its capacity to block unanimous EU decisions, particularly those related to foreign and security policies concerning Russia. Tsahkna referenced Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which permits the suspension of voting rights for member states whose actions threaten the safety and security of Europe. "This is exactly what [Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor] Orbán is doing," he commented, suggesting that the option to invoke Article 7 is becoming increasingly relevant.

Background Context

The debate surrounding Hungary's role in EU decision-making has intensified, especially following reports from March 14 by the Financial Times, which highlighted Hungary's refusal to extend specific EU sanctions against Russia. This refusal has prompted discussions among other member states about potentially revoking Hungary's voting privileges.

Conclusion

With the escalating conflict in Ukraine and the Kremlin's ongoing influence over certain EU states, tensions are likely to continue rising within the European Union. Tsahkna's remarks reflect a growing urgency among European leaders to address perceived threats to the union's cohesion and security.