In a rebuke of Hungary’s controversial solo diplomatic efforts on Ukraine, the EU’s informal meeting of foreign and defence ministers will take place in Brussels instead of Budapest, the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday (22 July).

“We have to send a signal, even if this is a symbolic signal,” Borrell told reporters after Monday’s foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, announcing the change of venue.

Hungary’s repeated uncoordinated steps to speak against EU unity must “have some formal consequences,” Borrell said.

“But I refuse the word boycotting, the meeting will take place and Hungary will be there,” he added.

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