2023-12-15 18:53 Compiled by United Daily News Zhou Chenyang/Reporting in real time
On the 14th, the European Council bypassed the opposition of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and reached an agreement to launch Ukraine’s accession negotiations. However, a few hours later, Orban single-handedly blocked 50 billion euros (equivalent to about NT$1.7 trillion) of aid funds to Ukraine.
According to earlier news, during the EU Council negotiations, Orban, who has close ties with Russia, temporarily left the meeting room in what officials described as a “pre-agreed and constructive manner” while the other 26 leaders continued to vote and agreed to take unprecedented steps. , began franchise negotiations with a wartime country.
BBC and Sky News reported that although Ukraine relied heavily on funding from the EU and the United States during the war with Russia, EU leaders were still unable to overcome Orban’s resistance and revised the EU budget to send financial aid to the Kiev authorities, and Provide more cash for other priorities such as managing immigration.
After attending talks in Brussels on the 14th, Orban wrote on social media, “In summary, the night shift rejected additional money for Ukraine and the multi-year financial framework (MFF) review.” The next day, he told Hungary’s state radio that he had been fighting for eight hours to stop EU partners but could not convince them, adding that Ukraine’s road to EU membership would be a long process no matter what. He also said that the Hungarian parliament could still prevent Ukraine from joining if it wanted to.
Orban also told reporters that he must block the Ukraine aid package to ensure that Hungary gets the funds it wants from the EU budget. This is a great opportunity for them to understand that we must obtain the share to which we are entitled, not half or a quarter.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban arrived at the EU headquarters in Brussels on the 14th to attend a roundtable meeting of the EU Council.AFP
EU Council President Michel confirmed at a press conference in the early morning of the 15th that although Sweden still needs to consult the parliament, except for one person, EU leaders have agreed on an aid package and a broader budget draft. “We will discuss it early next year.” Re-discuss the issue and try to reach a consensus.”
Ukraine Russia Russia-Ukraine War EU Hungary
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2023-12-15 10:53:16
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