The meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels is overshadowed by Hungary’s blockade against an important EU loan to Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.Image: keystone
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accuses Hungary of sacrificing its own ideals and interests with the blockade. “I don’t think it’s right for Hungary to betray its own fight for freedom, for European sovereignty,” said the politician on the sidelines of a meeting of EU foreign ministers. The Hungarian position astonishes him. Wadephul said Hungary would be approached with arguments and discussed.
EU Foreign Affairs Representative Kaja Kallas also showed incomprehension of Hungary’s position and little optimism for today’s deliberations. “We shouldn’t connect things that have nothing to do with each other,” said Kallas. The Hungarian arguments will be listened to and attempts will be made to convince the country. “But since we have heard some very clear statements from Hungary, unfortunately I don’t think they will change their position today.”
Hungary threatens to veto EU loans to Ukraine
The foreign ministers’ meeting was actually supposed to discuss further support for Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia. Despite the EU agreement reached in December, Hungary is now threatening to block an EU loan to Ukraine worth 90 billion euros. Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government also initially wants to prevent a new package of sanctions.
The reason given by Orban is that the Ukrainian leadership is deliberately blocking the resumption of oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline. According to Ukrainian information, these have been interrupted by Russian bombings since the end of January.
The EU loan is intended to cover Ukraine’s most urgent financial needs until the end of 2027 and enable the country to continue its defensive battle against Russia. 60 billion euros of the money is earmarked for defense. (dab/sda/dpa)