Germany Criticizes Hungarian PM Orbán’s Visit to Russia Without EU Mandate
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sharply criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent trip to Russia, calling the move “more than just a failure.” Merz stated that Orbán traveled without any European Union mandate or the approval of EU member states, raising concerns about unity and coordination within the bloc during a period of h
eightened geopolitical tension. The incident has sparked debate across Europe over the extent of EU oversight and whether member states are increasingly constrained in their independent foreign policy decisions.