Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine during a Brussels summit, citing unmet energy demands and prompting condemnation from other leaders.
Hungary Links Aid to Oil Delivery
The EU loan for Ukraine was a central topic at the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán argued his country would not support any decision benefiting Ukraine until it receives oil deliveries rightfully due to it.
The issue concerns Russian crude oil deliveries to Hungary via the “Friendship” pipeline, which was damaged in a January Russian attack. The Budapest government claims Kyiv is delaying repairs.
Opposition from Hungary and Slovakia
Orbán stated that the lack of oil deliveries via pipeline is a matter of survival for Hungary. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković refuted this claim, asserting Croatia can fully meet Hungary’s oil needs.
EU Leaders Fail to Sway Orbán
EU leaders were unable to persuade Orbán to unblock the €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine. A list of conclusions, including continued EU support for Ukraine, condemnation of Russia, financial and military aid for Ukraine, and the launch of the €90 billion loan for 2026-2027, along with the adoption of a 20th package of sanctions against Russia, was agreed upon by 25 countries. Orbán and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico did not sign the document.
EU Will Deliver Aid “One Way or Another”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured that the European Union would deliver the promised €90 billion loan to Ukraine “one way or another.” European Council President Antonio Costa condemned Hungary’s actions, stating agreements must be honored and no one should blackmail the European Council.
German Chancellor Calls Veto “Serious Disloyalty”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz requested the European Commission to find a way to repay the loan and labeled Orbán’s veto an unprecedented “act of serious disloyalty” that “leaves deep scars.”
Polish Criticism of Orbán’s Actions
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also criticized Orbán’s decision, stating he is determined to block aid to Ukraine using procedural tactics. Tusk emphasized that aid to Ukraine is crucial for containing Russian aggression.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called Orbán’s decision “scandalous,” criticizing the situation with the Friendship pipeline and accusing Hungary of holding Kyiv hostage over the loan.
Orbán Defends Hungary’s Position
Orbán asserted Hungary has the right to block the €90 billion loan, claiming no stronger argument was presented against their position. He characterized the talks as “controversial, bumpy, and not easy,” suggesting Hungary would not have agreed to the loan if Ukraine had imposed an oil blockade in December.
Orbán stated Hungary needs guarantees the situation won’t repeat before releasing the funds, even if oil deliveries resume.
Italian Premier Meloni Reportedly Understands Orbán’s Stance
According to Politico, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni indicated during a closed-door meeting that she understands the reasons behind Hungary’s blockade. This information came from five diplomats representing four European countries. The Italian government denied these reports, stating Meloni fully supports immediate aid to Ukraine.
