Slovakia and Hungary are blocking aid to Ukraine, with Slovakia citing delays in pipeline repairs and Hungary focusing on upcoming elections.
Slovakia’s Position
Germany’s Der Spiegel describes Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s decision to suspend aid as “an unfriendly gesture.” Slovakia has not received Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline since late January due to damage from Russian attacks in western Ukraine. Slovak authorities claim Ukrainians are delaying repairs.
Fico’s decision is seen as aligning with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s pro-Russian stance. The magazine suggests Fico is using the conflict to divert attention from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and Slovakia’s economic challenges, including a reduced growth forecast to 0.9% and high fuel prices.
Hungary’s Election Strategy
Sueddeutsche Zeitung questions why Orbán is blocking aid to Ukraine, suggesting he must do so due to the upcoming elections in six weeks. Orbán is using anti-Ukraine and anti-EU rhetoric in his campaign, with his Fidesz party’s slogan “We’re not paying” reflecting populist messaging.
According to the publication, Orbán’s economic situation is dire – high costs of living, neglected infrastructure, and high taxes. His strategy appears to be sowing fear of war, positioning Hungary as the only country against military conflict.
EU Response and Potential Solutions
Tageszeitung considers whether Hungary should be expelled from the EU but concludes it would be politically difficult and might benefit anti-EU forces. The newspaper notes that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to Budapest intentionally created divisions within the EU.
The publication suggests that the best solution to the EU’s lack of unity may be forming smaller groups of countries using existing EU mechanisms, including majority voting decision-making processes.
