European Union leaders are exploring ways to allow Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to maintain his political standing as elections approach, particularly by reconsidering his veto on funding for Ukraine.
Diplomatic sources indicate that a potential compromise for Orbán could involve a commitment to resume oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Eastern Europe. One diplomat familiar with the negotiations remarked, “He (Orbán) will get his damn pipeline. This Druzhba story doesn’t seem plausible, but he needs a win for his election campaign.”
Orbán has threatened to block a crucial €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, as well as the 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia, unless oil deliveries via Druzhba restart to Hungary and Slovakia.
The EU faces a challenging situation with Ukraine’s financial deficit looming and concerns that Orbán may leverage legal disputes during his election campaign. Reports suggest that Ukraine could run out of funds by April, coinciding with Hungary’s elections.
Orbán’s threats have drawn sharp criticism from the EU, with European Council President António Costa warning that the Hungarian leader has violated the principle of “sincere cooperation” within the EU. This statement hinted at possible legal repercussions, including a procedure under Article 7 that could strip Budapest of its voting rights in the bloc.
However, several diplomats and a senior EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed the idea of a legal resolution to Hungary’s delays. Instead, they emphasized the need for political pressure and persuasion to encourage Budapest to lift its veto.
One diplomat stated, “The time for a legal option has not arrived. We need to seek a political solution,” referring to the possibility of legal action against Hungary for blocking funds for Ukraine.
Two diplomats suggested that a more feasible approach might involve drafting a document that includes a promise to restore Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.
Sources indicated that legal measures to strip Hungary of its voting rights were not among the actions discussed at this week’s ambassadors’ meeting in Brussels. Instead, some diplomats proposed that the EU delegation in Ukraine should visit the pipeline to verify Orbán’s claims that it is not actually damaged.
However, such a visit would depend on whether Ukrainian authorities can facilitate it, as the site is under strict security measures, noted an EU representative familiar with the negotiations, adding that discussions are ongoing with Ukrainian officials regarding this potential visit.
EU leaders are negotiating with Hungary's Viktor Orbán to resolve his blockade of funding for Ukraine, focusing on a possible compromise involving oil shipments. As elections approach, the situation remains complex, with legal and political avenues being explored to address Hungary's stance.