European Union leaders meeting in Brussels sharply criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Thursday for blocking a €90 billion ($103 billion) aid package for Ukraine, as Kyiv warned it faces a “highly difficult” situation without continued financial support. The deadlock, occurring during a summit also focused on the war in Iran and energy market disruptions, has prompted accusations that Orbán is leveraging Ukraine’s fate for domestic political gain ahead of local elections next month.
The proposed aid package, initially agreed upon in December, is intended to provide crucial economic and military assistance to Ukraine as it enters its fifth year defending against Russia’s invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing EU leaders via video link, described the funds as “critical” for maintaining the government’s liquidity and continuing its war effort. He also indicated Kyiv is “working productively” with the EU on restoring the Druzhba oil pipeline, a key demand from Hungary.
Several EU leaders publicly condemned Orbán’s veto. “It’s really, really time to show our support to Ukraine,” said EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas upon arrival at the summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of “loyalty and reliability” within the EU, suggesting Orbán’s actions undermine the bloc’s credibility. Leaders accused Orbán of “using Ukraine as a weapon in his election campaigning,” according to sources at the summit.
Hungary’s obstruction is centered on a dispute over the repair of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which delivers Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Orbán has insisted that the pipeline’s restoration is a prerequisite for releasing the aid funds. This stance has raised concerns among other EU members, who view it as a thinly veiled attempt to extract concessions and appease domestic voters. Slovakia has also raised concerns about the pipeline, threatening to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine in a related dispute.
The EU agreed to the €90 billion loan package in December, but Orbán subsequently reversed his position, calling into question the decision-making authority of the European Council. The delay in disbursing the funds could have severe consequences for Ukraine, which is facing increasing economic strain and relies heavily on external assistance to fund its military and government operations.
As of Thursday evening, no breakthrough had been reached. A statement from the summit reaffirmed the intent of 25 member states to commence disbursing the funds in April, but did not indicate any change in Orbán’s position. EU leaders are scheduled to continue discussions on the matter Friday, with the fate of the aid package remaining uncertain.
Leave a Reply