As this month's European summit draws to a close, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz admitted that it was he who convinced his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Órban to temporarily leave the council chamber during discussions on Ukraine – but Scholz pointed out that cannot be a “general solution”.
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This meant that the remaining 26 heads of state and government were able to make the historic decision unanimously. Under EU rules, unanimity can be guaranteed even when a head of state is absent – meaning Orbán could still say he didn't vote for it.
The unusual step caused a stir both in Brussels and beyond.
But according to Scholz himself, this step cannot become commonplace. “Things cannot be solved every time by leaving the room. This only applies to exceptional cases, such as the decision we have just made,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a statement to the media.
European leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel expressed confidence that they will be able to reach consensus – or even overcome Viktor Orbán's position in the future – particularly with regard to the provision of an additional 50 Billions of euros in aid for Ukraine. which Orbán blocked.
Nevertheless, Charles Michel summarized the decision to allow Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to follow the European path as “a very strong political message” and “a message of hope”.