"We should just say it: Viktor Orban has won," the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) stated in its commentary of the summit of EU leaders.
According to SZ, Orban's strategy for this summit was clear: the Hungarian Prime Minister was ready to support the financial aid package if the issue of the rule of law was ignored. After the meetings of EU leaders that lasted multiple days, Orban clearly stated: "We have successfully opposed all attempts to link money from EU funds to the rule of law."
Orban's triumphalist statements
"Hungary and Poland have shown that it is unacceptable for nations that have inherited the rule of law to criticize and lecture those who are fighting for their freedom, and who have gone through difficult times under communist regimes," Orban stated during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, another proponent of illiberal democracy, who should also be satisfied with the results of the summit.
The text of the summit's conclusions mentions the rule of law in only one sentence, and at the beginning of the meeting in Brussels, requirements pertaining to receiving EU funds were proposed, which would have made things more difficult for Hungary and Poland. Proceedings have been initiated against both countries in EU institutions for violating the rule of law.
No sanctions for violating the rule of law
"Experts note that the adopted formulation is so vague that it is highly possible that Hungary and Poland will avoid financial sanctions," SZ writes.
The German newspaper writes that Paris and Berlin realized they would not be able to adopt the ambitious aid package without the support of Poland and Hungary, and Orban did not hesitate to threaten a veto during the summit should they keep insisting on the rule of law.
Hungarian media close to Orban write that the Prime Minister made a deal with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to complete the proceedings against Hungary under Article 7 of the Lisbon Treaty by the end of this year — in Hungary's favor, of course.
The EU let the autocrats get away with it
Der Spiegel states that "the EU let the autocrats get away with it", as well as that it cannot survive in the long run without respecting the rule of law. The paper concludes that "Orban's regime is corrupt", but that he has also become a role model for other members of the Visegrad Group (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland). "Orban is using EU money to buy loyalty and run anti-European campaigns," the paper states.
After this summit, Orban will be able to continue to do so with little to no interference from Brussels. Therefore, the Hungarian Prime Minister once again undoubtedly bested the EU.