Orban vetoes EU's €50 billion aid for Ukraine

The controversial Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has blocked the adoption of the European Union's budget decision, which would have included a medium-term assistance program for Ukraine. The document provided for the allocation of €50 billion to the Ukrainian state.

The Hungarian politician shared his thoughts on social media. In a comment to the media, European Council President Charles Michel assured that this issue would be revisited in the new year.

It should be noted that the negotiations between EU leaders lasted until late at night on December 15. After they ended, the President of the European Council said that the discussions revolved not only around funding for Ukraine. Those present were asked to approve a large package that also included spending on migration programs and funding for the EU Solidarity and Defense Fund.

The diplomat admitted that only one country "could not agree to this decision," while the other 26 leaders agreed to the "mega-package."

"Including Sweden, whose prime minister, according to internal procedures, has to discuss this decision with the parliament, but I expect he will join the others after that," Michel explained.

In response to a question from Ukrainian journalists, he confirmed that the 27th leader who did not give his consent was Hungarian Prime Minister Orban. This odious politician had previously assured that he would also block the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU but later allowed such a decision to be made. This did not happen in the vote on financial issues.

"The result of the night shift: a veto on additional money for Ukraine, a veto on the revision of the multi-year budget. We will return to this issue next year at the EU summit after appropriate preparation," Orban wrote on X on the night of December 15.

However, Charles Michel assured that the EU's large package was not rejected but postponed for consideration and voting, most likely in January 2024. According to him, European leaders have agreed to hold an extraordinary summit dedicated to this very issue.

"We will return to it at the very beginning of next year and try to get unanimity to make it possible to implement this mega-package," the president of the European Council said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on December 14, the leaders of the EU countries decided to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the union at a meeting of the European Council. They also reaffirmed their support for Kyiv in the fight against Russian aggression and their commitment to provide military, political and economic assistance to the Ukrainian state.

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