Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban lifted his country’s veto on EU aid to Ukraine today, unlocking 50 billion euros. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the decision.
There were fears that the funds would remain blocked after Hungary vetoed the aid at a summit in December. Today, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said:
“We have a deal. All 27 leaders agreed on an additional €50 billion support package for Ukraine within the EU budget. This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for #Ukraine. EU is taking leadership & responsibility in support for Ukraine; we know what is at stake.”
Of course, no one can be precisely sure what changed Orban’s mind. According to POLITICO, it was the diplomacy of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and French hospitality that got the Hungarian PM to budge. There were also financial threats by EU, according to reports.
This boost to Ukraine’s coffers comes as its biggest financial backer, the US, is delaying funds. There is widespread Republican opposition to Joe Biden’s $61bn pledge as a result of the immigration crisis at the Southern US-Mexico border. Many worry that this isolationist stance could intensify should Donald Trump win the presidency in November.
This unlocking of funds has coincided with the latest protests from European farmers which today gained intensity. Farmers lit fires, blocked roads with tractors and threw eggs at EU buildings in Brussels. In response, the Belgian police fired rubber bullets and water canons.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, covered both issues today on X (Twitter). On Ukraine, she said: “We will continue to support the brave Ukrainian Armed Forces. We have so far mobilised €28 billion in military assistance. And will boost our own capacities with the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy. Aiming to make Europe move from emergency response to defence readiness.”
On the farmers’ protest, she said: “We listen to European farmers. They can count on European support. We are addressing short-term challenges.”
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