All the 27 European Union (EU) leaders have reached a consensus to allocate an additional €50 billion support package for Ukraine within the EU budget.
European Council president Charles Michel, who chaired the summit, broke the news on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing that this funding ensures steadfast, long-term, and predictable financial aid for Ukraine.
The reversal in position by Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a key ally of Russia within the EU, regarding the crucial four-year funding package for Kyiv, followed EU leaders offering a potential review of the spending in two years. Despite initial concerns, EU Member States showcased solidarity and unity in supporting Ukraine against the ongoing war, according to Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denis Shmygal.
As uncertainties loom over future support from Ukraine’s major ally, the United States, the EU deal serves as a significant boost for Kyiv as Russia’s war approaches its third year. The financial infusion aims to address budgetary gaps in the Ukrainian government, enabling it to meet salary obligations and maintain essential services, particularly as its military contends with Russia’s forces.
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Orban’s unexpected rejection of the aid package in December, which led to accusations of holding Ukraine’s future hostage in an attempt to coerce Brussels into releasing frozen EU funds for Budapest, caused a considerable rift among EU leaders. Referred to as “Orban fatigue” by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Hungarian leader faced pressure to align with the consensus, or risk a united front of 26 leaders maintaining aid flow to Ukraine independently.
Despite growing frustration with Hungary’s disruptive role, calls to trigger the EU’s Article 7 and strip Budapest of its voting rights have not gained unanimous support. The leverage for Brussels over Hungary involves approximately 20 billion euros in frozen EU funds, withheld due to concerns over corruption and LGBTQ rights.
The latest EU summit unfolded against the backdrop of European farmers’ protests, with 1,300 tractors blocking roads and igniting fires around the venue. This display of strength and discontent added to the complex dynamics of the negotiations, as leaders weighed the broader implications of their decisions on various fronts, including Hungary’s internal policies.
“This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine.”
The abrupt about-face from Orban on the vitally needed four-year funding package for Kyiv came after EU leaders offered a possible review of the spending in two years.
“EU Member States one more time show their solidarity and unity in the actions of the Ukrainian people to withstand the war,” wrote Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denis Shmygal.
“Each of your votes is a significant contribution to our joint victory.”
“We don’t have a problem with so-called Ukraine fatigue for sure, we have Orban fatigue now in Brussels,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
“We need to be able to discuss in the council on this topic because the concerns that they have are partly legitimate,” said Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
