In a move that has caused discontent among certain EU member states, the European Commission announced its decision to boycott the Hungarian presidency, just days ahead of the crucial vote to re-appoint Ursula von der Leyen as its chief. According to diplomatic sources consulted by Euronews, several European Union countries have expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision.

The European Commission disclosed on Monday that it will not be sending its commissioners to informal council meetings and has canceled its trip to Budapest. Normally, such visits are undertaken at the beginning of each new presidency of the Council of the EU. This decision was prompted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's recent visit to Moscow and Beijing, which raised doubts regarding whether he was representing his country or the EU during his self-branded "peace mission."

Speaking anonymously, a diplomatic source informed Euronews that during a discussion among senior EU diplomats, the European Commission's decision was perceived as a political move aimed at appeasing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) but could potentially hinder the work of the Council. The source added, "It is an electoral move that can eventually benefit Orbán himself."

Von der Leyen, who is seeking reappointment for a second five-year term, is facing a vote in the European Parliament on Thursday. In an effort to secure the required majority of 361 votes, she has been engaging with various political groups in recent weeks. However, the outcome of the secret ballot remains uncertain.

The Commission has described its decision as a "symbolic gesture," clarifying that it will still be represented by civil servants during the informal gatherings, a practice that has been followed in the past. Nevertheless, this unprecedented move is seen as potentially hindering future political relations between member states and the Commission.

A second diplomatic source revealed that during a meeting last week, most member states expressed their disappointment about the Commission's plan, emphasizing that the EU executive should remain "impartial." When questioned about the reaction from EU capitals, a Commission spokesperson stated that "member states have expressed their views which, in most cases, remain aligned with the Commission's decision."

Euronews reached out to the Hungarian presidency for comment, but it declined to provide any response regarding this matter.

The outcome of the vote on Thursday will determine whether von der Leyen will continue to lead the European Commission for another term. However, the controversy surrounding the Commission's decision to boycott the Hungarian presidency has created tensions among EU member states, casting a shadow over the future political dynamics within the union.