European Union leaders have urged Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban to lift his blockade on a crucial €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
European Union leaders have intensified pressure on Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban to remove his opposition to a €90 billion ($103 billion) loan package intended to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
The loan, agreed upon in December, has been stalled after Orban blocked its implementation last month, citing concerns over a dispute involving a war damaged oil pipeline.
His decision has drawn widespread criticism from other EU leaders, who warn that Ukraine could soon face a severe funding shortfall without immediate financial support.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described Hungary’s veto as unacceptable, insisting that aid to Ukraine must be delivered without delay. He also rejected discussions of alternative plans, arguing that doing so would amount to giving in to political pressure.
Several leaders echoed similar concerns, with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo accusing Orban of using the situation for domestic political gain ahead of upcoming elections.
At the Brussels summit, leaders are expected to highlight an agreement reached by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline with EU assistance, in a bid to address Hungary’s concerns and unlock the funding.
The pipeline, which transports Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia, was damaged earlier this year during a Russian attack. While Ukraine has warned repairs may take time, Hungary has insisted it is ready to resume operations.
Orban, known for his nationalist stance and ties to former US President Donald Trump,has remained defiant despite mounting pressure. He has not indicated any willingness to reverse his position, leaving uncertainty over when the loan package will be approved.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever suggested the EU may need to wait until after Hungary’s upcoming election before resolving the impasse, as tensions continue within the bloc.
Goodness Anunobi
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