Orbán announced earlier this week that he had postponed his international commitments until the floods subside, including a European Parliament debate on Hungary’s presidency of the Council.
He did not, however, pass up an opportunity to biff Brussels when responding to a question about Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s offer to help countries in the region.
“If a situation arises in a country, there is a mechanism that can be activated by a unilateral notification,” Orbán said. “We have done this, which means that Brussels has started to examine whether some kind of assistance should or can be provided.”
“Once these complicated Brussels procedures are over — and we are not punished by not getting the help we deserve, because these are all question marks in Brussels — then we will get support from Brussels.”
Orbán’s acerbic remarks may have been influenced by an earlier decision by the European Court of Justice to fine Hungary €200 million for violating EU asylum laws.
“For now, let’s look at the positive side of things and respectfully thank Brussels for at least thinking of us,” Orbán added.
