The text, which would need the support of all 27 member states to be issued on behalf of the European Council, also vows to step up pressure on Russia by imposing further sanctions and better enforcing existing ones “in order to weaken its ability to continue waging its war of aggression. “
As the summit continues, diplomats from the EU’s other 26 countries are exploring ways to move forward without Hungary.
While that may enable a technical fix, it would again expose the difficulties the EU has in formulating a consistent position toward Putin ― and Trump.
Coalition of the willing
If Orbán follows through on his threats, one option is for leaders to issue the joint statement on less contentious areas, such as on increasing funding for domestic defense, on which Hungary agrees — and leave the remaining 26 member states to issue a separate message on Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, told reporters that leaders are considering creating a “coalition of the willing, so that one country cannot block everybody else.”
Doing so would challenge the fundamentals of the EU, but could ensure it is able to present a coherent foreign policy.