Orbán suffered a heavy defeat in Sunday's general election, ending his 16-year rule. He was supposed to attend a two-day meeting on April 23 and 24, during which national leaders were to discuss the Middle East crisis and the European Union's next seven-year budget. The right-wing leader remains acting Prime Minister of Hungary until his rival Péter Magyar takes power in May. In accordance with Council rules, Orbán will be represented at the meeting by another national leader. His ally, Slovak Prime Minister Roberta Fica, is likely to take on that role. Orbán has long been a disruptive factor in the Council, often using his veto power to block sanctions against Russia and EU aid to Ukraine. At last month's EU leaders' summit, Council President Antónia Costa said such behavior amounted to blackmail and was completely unacceptable.