Hungary blocks 50 billion euro package for Ukraine

Hungary blocks 50 billion euro package for Ukraine


The country has been praised by Russia for its “independent” stance.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has blocked a 50 billion euro aid package from the European Union for Ukraine during a meeting of the bloc’s leaders in Brussels.

At the European Council summit, Orbán, the EU leader closest to Vladimir Putin’s regime in Russia, said he would give his approval to new transfers to Kiev only if EU funds destined for Hungary were blocked due to allegations of violations of the rule of law. are released.

“I have always said that if someone wants to change the budget, then it is a great opportunity for Hungary to make it clear that it should get what it is entitled to. Not half or a quarter,” the prime minister said in an interview with ‘Hungarian. Radio.

The veto occurred a few hours after the European Council itself had decided to open formal negotiations for the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU, but according to the president of the body, Charles Michel, the block removed by Orbán will not compromise the aid to Kiev.

“We have the tools to ensure our reliability, the Ukrainians can count on our support,” the Belgian said, underlining that 26 of the 27 member states have already approved the new 50 billion euro package.

Both the transfers to Ukraine and the review of the multiannual budget until 2027 are expected to be discussed again in early 2024.

After news of Orbán’s blockade broke, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised Hungary for maintaining a “sufficiently independent position to defend its interests.”

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Source: Terra

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