In a move that sparked consternation, the autocratic leader popped up in Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing for talks with two of the EU’s primary adversaries.

For member states, unnerved by Orbán pursuing close ties to Putin and lobbying for a more China-friendly economic policy, the Hungarian prime minister should have made it clear that he only represented his own country, not the EU.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told reporters at the NATO summit on Thursday: “As the president country, one must act as an honest broker and not give the impression that you are speaking for other countries.”

Consequently, the EU is now looking at ways to curtail what they see as being Orbán’s ‘freelance’ diplomacy.

Reporting from the Belgium capital, TVP World’s Brussels correspondent Sascha Fahrbach said: “According to anonymous EU diplomats the consensus was clear, Hungary’s actions were deemed as unacceptable.

“In response, several member states have signaled their intention to impose so-called ‘practical consequences’ on Budapest to mitigate any further adverse effects on EU foreign policy.

“This likely means a boycott of upcoming informal ministerial meetings scheduled in Hungary, such as the gathering of foreign affairs or defense chiefs at the end of August.

“An EU diplomat remarked it took nine days for the Hungarian presidency to lose any remaining trust.

“The message again was clear, Hungary’s presidency is not fulfilling its role as an honest broker.”

Despite the criticism, after wrapping up NATO’s summit on Thursday, Orbán jetted off to meet former President Donald Trump to discuss ways for Ukraine and Russia to make peace.

Posting a photo of himself and Trump on social media, Orbán said: “We discussed ways to make peace. The good news of the day: he’s going to solve it!”

TVP World’s Sascha Fahrbach said: “Despite the backlash and loss of trust from other EU member states and getting a yellow card, Orbán appears determined to continue his course until potentially faced with more severe repercussions.”