Hungary has officially obstructed a €90 billion loan intended for Ukraine, which had been agreed upon during the European Council meeting in Brussels on December 18, 2025. The loan was presented by the European Commission on January 14, 2026.
This confirmation came from Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on January 20, stating that the blockade would remain until oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary is restored. Szijjártó accused Ukraine of using oil transit stoppages as leverage, alleging that the country is colluding with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition to create supply disruptions and inflate fuel prices ahead of Hungary’s upcoming elections.
The Hungarian minister emphasized that Ukraine’s actions violate the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and its obligations to the European Union. The Financial Times first reported on Hungary’s decision to block the loan on January 20, citing sources.
Budapest has refused to endorse one of three key documents approved by the European Parliament that are essential for the disbursement of funds. These documents include amendments to the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027, which must be unanimously approved by member states.
The three legislative acts necessary for the loan’s approval include regulations for enhanced cooperation on establishing support for Ukraine in 2026 and 2027, changes to the Ukraine Facility, and amendments to the multiannual financial framework. While the first two documents can be approved by a qualified majority, the third requires unanimous consent, which Hungary blocked on February 20.
During the loan agreement discussions in December 2025, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic agreed to support the initiative only under the condition that they would not bear any financial responsibility for the loan. Hungary has expressed opposition to granting this loan to Ukraine just before parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12, where polls indicate that the opposition party Tisza, led by Péter Madjár, is ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party by approximately 10 points.
Hungary has blocked a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, citing a dispute over oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. The decision, confirmed by Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, is linked to Hungary's upcoming elections and tensions regarding Ukraine's compliance with EU agreements.