By Ahmet Gencturk
ATHENS (AA) — The European Commission announced a decision Monday to downgrade its representation during informal meetings by the Hungarian Presidency of the European Council.
"In light of recent developments marking the start of the Hungarian Presidency, the President (Ursula von der Leyen) has decided that EU Commission will be represented at senior civil servant level only during informal meetings of the Council," von der Leyen's chief spokesman said on X.
Eric Mamer added that the EU's College of Commissioners would not be visiting the presidency.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's surprise visit to Moscow earlier this month triggered a sharp backlash within the EU.
Orban received criticism from European leaders, including EU Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
Hungary argued that Orban conducted the visits not on behalf of the EU but solely in his capacity as prime minister of Hungary.