The President of the European Council, António Costa, has expressed strong disapproval of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s stance on obstructing financial assistance to Ukraine. This criticism comes amid discussions among EU leaders regarding Hungary’s recent actions that have stalled a crucial funding agreement for Ukraine.
During a meeting that lasted over an hour, EU leaders focused on the situation concerning Hungary, which has blocked the approval of a key amendment to the multiannual financial framework. This amendment is essential for releasing a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, an agreement initially reached in December.
Costa labeled Hungary’s actions as unacceptable and contrary to the principles of cooperation and goodwill outlined in EU treaties. He emphasized the importance of solidarity among member states, particularly in times of crisis.
Additionally, Costa addressed the ongoing issue with the Druzhba oil pipeline, noting that Ukraine has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its obligations to the EU. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has assured stable energy supply and expressed a desire for continued collaboration.
However, Costa also pointed out that some of Zelensky’s previous remarks were inappropriate in tone and did not contribute positively to resolving the current tensions.
On February 20, it was reported that Hungary had blocked the EU’s provision of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, citing disruptions in oil transit from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry clarified that Kyiv had informed Budapest about Russian attacks on the pipeline in Brody, Lviv region, and deemed Hungary’s accusations of delays as illogical.
Despite this, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed during an EU Council meeting on February 23 that Russia had not targeted the pipeline infrastructure and suggested that Ukraine had halted transit due to an internal political decision. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Szijjártó of making statements that favor Russian interests.
On the same day, European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis confirmed that the EU is not considering alternative options regarding the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, which remains blocked by Hungary.
EU leaders, led by António Costa, have criticized Hungary's obstruction of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for solidarity among member states. The situation has escalated following Hungary's claims regarding oil transit disruptions and accusations against Ukraine.