Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has indicated Budapest's willingness to unblock €50 billion in European Union funding for Ukraine, contingent on a specific condition.
In an interview with French magazine Le Point, Orbán, through his press service, revealed that Hungary had proposed a compromise agreement to Brussels last Saturday.
The primary condition set forth by the Hungarian Prime Minister for releasing the funds involves an annual review of the decision to continue financial support to Ukraine. This stipulation would effectively allow Hungary the option to reassess and potentially halt the aid each year.
Orbán emphasized the necessity for unanimous agreement among all EU member states for this annual approval. He addressed concerns that this condition might be perceived as a tool for yearly blackmail. Orbán clarified that the intention is not to use Hungary’s veto power for coercion but to maintain and restore the unity of the European Union.
This development comes in the wake of challenges faced by the EU in finalizing a four-year, €50 billion financial assistance package for Ukraine. An EU official disclosed last Friday that the approval process was becoming increasingly difficult due to Hungary's reluctance to agree ahead of a summit scheduled for February 1.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Balázs Orbán, the political director of the Hungarian Prime Minister, accused Brussels of blackmailing Budapest. This accusation came despite Hungary’s proposal of a compromise that would enable the EU to provide the substantial aid package to Ukraine. The ongoing negotiations and Hungary's stance underscore the intricate dynamics within the EU regarding the provision of financial assistance to Ukraine amid its current challenges.
