The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has revoked Hungary’s right to host the upcoming meeting of foreign and defence ministers due to its stance on the war in Ukraine. This decision comes just weeks after Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, during which it would typically host such events. The move follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s controversial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow earlier this month.

Borrell emphasized that Hungary’s actions must have consequences, stating, “We have to send a signal, even if it is a symbolic signal.” Hungary responded by calling the decision “completely childish.”

Every six months, the EU’s foreign and defence ministers hold informal meetings under the new council presidency to discuss major global issues. The next set of meetings, initially scheduled to be held in Budapest from August 28-30, will now take place in Brussels, as announced by Borrell on Monday.

Borrell criticized Orban’s remarks after the meeting with Putin, in which he accused the EU of having a “pro-war policy.” Borrell asserted, “If you want to talk about the war party, talk about Putin.” He added that all member states, except one, are critical of Hungary’s behavior, making it appropriate to move the meetings to Brussels.

Of the 26 other EU countries, only Slovakia has sided with Hungary in the dispute. Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, however, stated he would attend the Budapest meeting, arguing that a boycott would be “nonsense” and that engaging in dialogue with Hungary was essential.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski proposed holding the August meeting in western Ukraine, but this suggestion was blocked by Budapest. In response to Borrell’s decision, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed frustration on Facebook, comparing the situation to “being in a kindergarten.”

Orban’s meeting with Putin was part of what he termed a “peace mission,” which also included visits to Ukraine, China, and a meeting with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the US. The trip drew widespread condemnation from EU leaders, with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen calling it “nothing but an appeasement mission.”