The 2024 NATO Summit

NATO Summit and Challenges Faced by European Leaders

Hightened concerns about European security along side the rise of far-right forces on the continent and the potential of an anti-NATO president in Trump lead to risks for NATO unity and security.

At the top of concerns of leaders had to be aging signs regarding Biden and his ability to stay in the US presidential race. In addition, Macron kept a low profile at the NATO summit trying to reassure allies that the inability of the far-right to gain power in France should be seen as strength for France on Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was also in a weakened position as head of a unstable and unpopular coalition in Germany. That leaves only Italy under the far-right leadership of Giorgia Meloni as the most stable of the big three EU countries.

In short, there are seven EU NATO countries either having far-right leaders or that rely on the far-right coalitions to govern their countries. Two more are countries that are run by weak caretaker governments according to an FT article.

To further complicate matters, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s unannounced meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow has caused controversy among EU and NATO allies further weakening NATO unity. Orbán’s visit came after a surprise trip to Kyiv and amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The meeting raised concerns about Orbán’s representation of the EU presidency and NATO.

Key Points:
• Orbán’s trip to Moscow raised eyebrows due to its timing amid the conflict in Ukraine.
• Putin demanded Ukraine’s surrender of eastern provinces and a pledge to never join NATO as conditions for peace.
• EU leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, emphasized that Orbán did not represent the EU presidency and condemned Russian aggression.
• Hungary, holding the rotating EU presidency, faces criticism for Orbán’s actions undermining EU unity.
• Orbán’s visit was seen as exploiting his EU presidency position and promoting Budapest’s interests rather than representing the EU.
• The meeting between Orbán and Putin also sparked concerns about Hungary’s stance on Russia and its commitment to NATO’s collective defense. Critics worry that Orbán’s actions could undermine the unity and solidarity of the EU and NATO in addressing Russian aggression.

• Orbán defended his meeting with Putin as an effort to seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine and to protect Hungary’s national interests. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.

Finally to top things off, Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister, will meet with former US president Donald Trump in Florida, following the controversial visit to Moscow to see Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orbán, a strong supporter of Trump and known for pro-Russian sentiments, will have this meeting amid tensions with EU leaders over his breach of EU foreign policy positions.

• The meeting with Trump is likely to provoke further criticism from EU leaders due to Orbán’s disregard for EU foreign policy unity.
  • Orbán has aligned his nationalist and anti-migration politics with Trump’s rhetoric and has expressed support for Trump’s stance on European defense.

In short, in a time of rising security risks, NATO will face increasing pressure in the future from far-right political parties in Europe and from a potential win of Trump in the US presidential race.