German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for blocking the European Union’s decision to provide a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. This statement followed a meeting of the European Council on March 19, as reported by the German government.
Merz pointed out that EU member states, including Hungary, had agreed to the loan for Ukraine back in December 2025. He stated, “Orbán has violated this consensus. In doing so, he undermines one of the fundamental principles of our European cooperation.”
The Chancellor emphasized that such actions hinder the EU’s ability to operate effectively and cohesively.
During the same meeting, the European Council reaffirmed the urgency of implementing the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The Council’s conclusions stressed the importance of further reducing Russia’s energy revenues and limiting its banking system, while also summarizing efforts to curb the operations of Russia’s shadow fleet.
“The Council reiterates the importance of further reducing Russia’s energy revenues and further restricting the Russian banking system, as well as summarizing efforts aimed at curbing the operations of Russia’s shadow fleet,”
the conclusions stated.
The EU is anticipating the first disbursement of the €90 billion loan to Ukraine by early April, which was initially approved in December 2025.
Both Prime Minister Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico did not support the European Council’s conclusions regarding Ukraine.
Background on the €90 Billion EU Loan for Ukraine
On December 19, 2025, EU leaders agreed to support Ukraine with a €90 billion loan for the years 2026-2027. This loan will be backed by the EU’s budgetary reserves rather than frozen Russian assets.
On January 14, 2026, the European Commission adopted a legislative package to facilitate this loan to Kyiv, aimed at covering financial and military needs over a two-year period.
On January 21, the European Parliament endorsed the Council’s proposal, allowing for the activation of enhanced cooperation to establish the Loan for Ukraine, set at €90 billion for 2026-2027.
On February 11, Members of the European Parliament voted in favor of three legislative acts enabling Ukraine to receive the €90 billion loan in 2026 and 2027.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for obstructing a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, a decision previously agreed upon by EU member states. The European Council is also pressing for the swift implementation of sanctions against Russia, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.