As leaders of EU member states arrive for a summit in Brussels, they are voicing strong criticism towards Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for blocking a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. This obstruction is being linked to Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections in April, where Orbán faces potential electoral challenges according to recent polls.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated, “He is using Ukraine as a weapon in his electoral campaign, and that is wrong. We had an agreement, and I believe he has betrayed us. We need to find a solution on how to proceed.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Orbán’s actions are primarily driven by domestic political motives. He warned of “serious problems” for Ukraine if a resolution is not reached during the summit. “I do not believe the EU should become an instrument of Hungarian domestic politics… If this issue is not resolved today, Ukraine will face serious challenges. I fear that this is precisely what Hungary desires… We are not changing our position or breaking our promises, especially when it severely impacts another country,” Kristersson remarked, expressing a strong expectation for a favorable outcome.
Rob Jetten, the new Dutch Prime Minister, emphasized the need for respect towards decisions already made at the EU level. “It is clear that Ukraine requires our full support to prevail in this war against Russian aggression. This loan is critical for Ukraine to prepare for the upcoming winter,” he stated.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who previously blocked a reparations loan for Ukraine based on frozen Russian assets, also called for adherence to the alternative decision made regarding the loan. “I understand that there is an electoral process occurring in Hungary, and Orbán’s dissent should be viewed in that context. However, this loan must be executed. Ukraine needs funding to continue its fight… The decision was politically made, so it must be implemented,” De Wever said.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda acknowledged the difficulty in persuading Orbán but stressed the urgency of unlocking the loan for Ukraine. “Ukraine desperately needs these €90 billion for military equipment purchases and to stabilize its macroeconomic situation. They are under immense pressure both on the battlefield and economically. Therefore, we must continue to support them,” Nausėda emphasized.
Both Slovakia and Hungary are also blocking the approval of the 20th sanctions package against Russia and the allocation of the multibillion-euro loan to Ukraine, which EU leaders agreed upon during a summit in December. The two countries have vowed to maintain their veto until the transportation of Russian raw materials via the Druzhba pipeline is restored.
EU leaders are expressing frustration over Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's obstruction of a crucial €90 billion loan to Ukraine, linking it to upcoming elections. They stress the need for immediate resolution to support Ukraine amid ongoing challenges.
Source: Radio Svoboda