Merz, Orban clash on defence

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz lashed out at Viktor Orban during a meeting of European Union leaders in Copenhagen on Wednesday, accusing the Hungarian prime minister of derailing discussions on the bloc’s security needs.

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The clash took place during a discussion over how the EU can better defend itself against Russian threats and support Ukraine, according to people familiar with the exchange, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The quarrel is the latest sign of EU frustration with Mr Orban, who has wielded his veto to stymie sanctions against Russia and opposes Ukraine's EU bid. And it comes as the bloc struggles to unite on plans to rebuild its defences amid a spate of Russian airspace violations in recent months.

“This was intense, it was an especially exciting European summit,’ Mr Orban told pro-government website Mandiner late on Wednesday, citing the contentious agenda topics.

‘A German spokesperson declined to comment, while a Hungarian official did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside business hours.