The head of the European External Action Service, Kaja Kallas, expressed optimism about a quick resolution regarding a €90 billion loan for Ukraine following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
Kallas noted a “new momentum” in the discussions after Hungary’s recent elections. She stated, “I expect a positive decision on the loan within the next 24 hours. The ministers also urged for rapid progress on the 20th sanctions package.”
When questioned by reporters, Kallas confirmed her anticipation of reaching an agreement soon, saying, “I don’t want to jinx it, but I hope everything goes well, as we have seen some twists in this matter. This is the agreement we had in December, and the continuation of the Druzhba pipeline work is a promise made by Ukraine, so I hope all obstacles will be cleared.”
She added that she cannot independently confirm whether oil transit is currently taking place.
On April 21, President Zelensky announced that repairs had been completed on the Druzhba pipeline, indicating that it could resume operations.
Following his party’s victory in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, Peter Madiar of the Tisza party indicated that he would lift the veto imposed by current Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the €90 billion loan to Kyiv. However, he emphasized that Hungary would not bear financial responsibility for the loan and opposed expedited EU accession for Ukraine, linking the normalization of relations with Kyiv to the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign affairs chief, is hopeful for a swift agreement on a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, following discussions among EU ministers. The outcome is expected soon, with Hungary's recent election results influencing the situation.