Subscribe here: [ Ссылка ] Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas shamed the two overtly pro-Russian leaders in the EU summit on Thursday (26 October) — Hungary's Viktor Orbán and Slovakia's Robert Fico.
Kallas especially needled Orbán over last week's handshake photo-op with Russian president Vladimir Putin in China.
Ahead of the summit Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas told reporters in Brussels:
“It’s becoming a problem we have to address. We have had different opinions before we have managed to keep unity but it’s getting more difficult regarding Hungary,” she said.
“We are the European Union, we have rules that’s how we make decisions. We don’t really have a strong tool to address [what Hungary does].”
She said she was surprised Hungary continued to take contrary views to the majority of member states and also to remain outside the eurozone despite high inflation.
“Hungary needs the EU,” she said.
She added, however, that she did not think Hungary would block Sweden’s membership of NATO for long.
“I think when Turkey goes [with us] we will probably find the way with Hungary as well,” she said.
Today we discuss the MFF, we won’t probably reach an agreement but we can see our different positions. One part is the support to Ukraine and the promises we have given. The other part is what we can do for ourselves – one of the crisis we didn’t have when MFF was launched was the war. Now we have to increase our defence capabilities and find ways to do this in addition to national budget.
We will discuss the situation in Middle East. I hope we will reach an agreement soon. Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism. But the humanitarian situation worries us. Humanitarian aid has to reach Gaza and humanitarian laws have to be followed. Civilians cannot be targeted.
We discuss of course Ukraine and how to keep supporting it while we have new conflicts. I will surely raise the issue of using frozen assets. A few weeks ago we presented to the Parliament in Estonia a legislation concerning rules on how to use the frozen assets of Russia to restore and rebuild Ukraine. Ukraine has a legitimate claim towards Russia, Russia has a claim towards us, since we have their properties. We will have to settle these claims and, when the war is over, Russians can settle between themselves, if something is left of the assets. We should use these assets instead of tax payers money to benefit Ukraine.
As to the discussions about the wording we use concerning humanitarian aid, I think the principle is the same. We all think humanitarian aid is necessary and it should reach the people in need. Palestinian people are not terrorists. If the words carry a different meaning for some, we can discuss this.
Concerning Orban’s meeting with Putin, I will probably talk to him in person. To understand why this was necessary. It is Kremlin’s strategy, they have been waiting to see us divided. I don’t think Putin will apologize some day. He is a war criminal, he has started a war, deported children. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against him. I would not want to be on the same picture with such guy. If Orban says the wrong things but does right things, then it is fine for us. We will hear what he says. He has been critical about Ukraine and supporting Ukraine but Hungary has participated in our support and hopefully will continue.
Migration crisis is a big worry for Southern countries. The situation in Gaza brings even more pressure. We are worried what happens in the European continent.
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