The European Union is set to convene a two-day summit in Brussels starting March 19, featuring leaders from member states alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Central topics for discussion will include the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as military actions in the Middle East.
Prior to the summit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that Hungary would not unblock a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and would not support any pro-Ukrainian measures unless Ukraine restored oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
On March 12, European Council President António Costa officially invited EU leaders to the summit, confirming Zelensky’s participation. However, it remains unclear whether he will attend in person or via video link.
In recent days, Zelensky has been on official visits abroad, having traveled to the United Kingdom on March 17 and Spain the following day.
As the summit approaches, several European diplomats expressed skepticism about overcoming Hungary’s veto to unlock the €90 billion loan approved by EU leaders in December. Hungary’s government has repeatedly insisted that oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline must be restored, a service that has been disrupted due to damage from Russian shelling.
Additionally, EU diplomats are doubtful about the final approval of the 20th sanctions package against Russia, which was anticipated to be implemented on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24. Hungary has indicated it will veto this package as well, with Slovakia joining in opposition.
Statements from EU Leaders Before the Summit
Before the summit, Prime Minister Orban reiterated to reporters that Hungary would not support any EU decisions beneficial to Ukraine until oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline is reinstated, including the unblocking of the €90 billion loan.
“Hungary’s position is very simple. We are waiting for oil, and everything else is just a fairy tale… We are ready to support Ukraine when we receive our oil that they have blocked. Until then, no decision favorable to Ukraine will receive Hungary’s support,” Orban stated.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo criticized Orban for leveraging Ukraine in his electoral campaign and for blocking the loan.
“Orban is using Ukraine as a weapon in his election campaign, and that is not good. We had an agreement, and I believe he has deceived us. We need to find a solution on how to move forward, and I now urge Ukraine and the Commission to find a resolution regarding the pipeline, and the most important issue is how we will finance your major projects,” he emphasized.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stressed the necessity of providing the loan to Ukraine, describing it as a political decision that must be honored. He highlighted the importance of continued financial support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia, affirming Brussels’ backing for the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions.
French President Emmanuel Macron also underscored the need for the multi-billion loan to Ukraine.
“We must realize the €90 billion loan that was decided last December… And we need to increase our military production capacities. This is what we have been advocating for several months,” Macron stated.
Current Situation Regarding the Druzhba Pipeline
On March 17, President Zelensky confirmed in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa that Ukraine agreed to the EU’s proposal for financial and technical assistance in repairing the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged by Russian military strikes.
On March 18, a European official reported that a technical team from the EU was already in Ukraine, awaiting access to the pipeline.
On the same day, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tikhiy commented on the potential access for European representatives to the damaged section of the Druzhba pipeline, stating that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) handles access to strategic facilities.
The upcoming EU summit in Brussels will focus on support for Ukraine amidst Hungary's refusal to unblock a significant loan. Tensions surrounding the Druzhba pipeline and sanctions against Russia are also key issues as leaders gather.