European Union officials are exploring a plan to bypass Hungary’s long-standing veto on military assistance for Ukraine, which has resulted in a backlog of €6.6 billion, according to sources speaking on condition of anonymity to Euronews.
A high-ranking EU official stated,
“The idea behind this proposal is that no one can block. This tranche of the EPF, which amounts to €6.6 billion, has been blocked for a year and a half. It’s a lot of time, a lot of money, and it’s undermining our support to Ukraine.”
The plan is still in its early stages and would require unanimous support from all 27 EU member states. It remains unclear how much of the €6.6 billion would be released if Hungary’s contribution is removed.
The Hungarian veto dates back to 11 May 2023, when Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency blacklisted Hungary’s OTP Bank as an “international sponsor of war.” Although OTP Bank was eventually removed from the list, Hungary maintained its veto, demanding “unconditional” guarantees against future incidents.
Related:
- EU considers $ 46 bn Ukraine loan package without participation of US
- From guest workers to residents: Hungary opens doors to Russians amid EU security concerns
- Polish Foreign Ministry suggests Orbán leave EU and form alliance with Putin
- Orbán claims Trump to be immediate Ukraine-Russia “peace broker” if he wins elections
- Hungary wants Ukraine to stop its counter-incursion into Russia
- Borrell to convene meeting of EU foreign ministers to boycott Hungary summit – Politico
