Charles Michel’s Responds to Orbán’s “Peace Plans”, Reaffirms Unity on Ukraine

President of the European Council, Charles Michel, responded to a letter from Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, clarifying that the presidency of the Council does not have the mandate to act on behalf of the European Union. He reiterated that the EU’s stance on Ukraine, which includes unwavering support, was unanimously agreed upon by all member states.

These statements are contained in Michel’s letter to Orbán, dated July 16. Michel’s response was prompted by Orbán’s letter from July 12, in which the Hungarian Prime Minister urged the EU to restore relations with Russia.

Michel reminded Orbán that the EU’s position on Ukraine, agreed unanimously by the European Council and reaffirmed in June, includes a firm commitment to support Ukraine as needed. This stance was also reflected in the Strategic Agenda approved by all leaders, which emphasized support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression to protect European security.

Michel emphasized that Hungary’s current six-month rotating presidency of the Council does not entitle it to represent the EU internationally or act on its behalf. “It plays no role in representing the Union on the international stage and does not receive a mandate from the European Council to act on behalf of the Union.” “I made this clear to you before your visit to Moscow, and it was subsequently confirmed in the statement by High Representative Borrell on July 5,” Michel writes.

Addressing Orbán’s claim that the EU follows a pro-military policy, Michel disagreed, stating:

“I cannot agree with your statement that we are pursuing a 'pro-military policy.' Quite the contrary. Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the victim, exercising its legitimate right to self-defense. Russia is waging an aggressive war, grossly violating international law, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter.”

Michel also stressed that discussions about Ukraine cannot exclude Ukraine itself. He noted that the EU aims to build international support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law, as outlined in the Ukrainian Peace Formula, and has reached out to partners, including China.

The most direct path to peace, according to Michel, is for Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine and respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the UN Charter.

Michel informed Orbán that, like the Hungarian Prime Minister, he would share his letter with all European Council members and notify Ukraine.

Previously, Orbán has proposed reinstating diplomatic relations with Russia to the European Council President Charles Michel in a letter following what has been described as his “peace tour.” Orbán also met with Donald Trump in the US and praised Trump’s detailed plans to mediate peace if re-elected president in his letter to Michel.