Hungarys Orban Blocks Ukraine Loan at EU Summit Meeting

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has refused to lift his country’s blockade on a 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine, leaving the funding in limbo. The European Union had agreed to provide the loan in December, but Hungary’s leader has blocked its implementation.

At a summit meeting in Brussels, EU officials reported that efforts by other leaders to persuade Orban to change his stance were unsuccessful. “Discussion was tough and rough, but Viktor is still not budging,” said one official. Another official stated that “everyone is increasingly angry with Orban.”

The loan is crucial for Ukraine, which is facing a ballooning budget deficit due to the ongoing conflict in its fifth year. The European Council had agreed to provide the funding, but Hungary’s leader has cited a dispute over a damaged pipeline as the reason for his opposition.

Ukraine and Russia have differing views on the pipeline, with Ukraine claiming it will take time to repair while Hungary insists it is already operational. Orban stated that Hungary would support Ukraine once its oil supplies are unblocked by Ukraine.

In response to the standoff, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described Hungary’s veto as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for the funds to be delivered quickly. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo accused Orban of using Ukraine as a political tool in his election campaign. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever raised the possibility that the EU may have to wait until after Hungary’s election to implement the loan.

Orban has previously been at odds with mainstream EU politicians, but had not previously reneged on an agreement among EU leaders.

Source: Al Jazeera