A multi-billion dollar loan to Ukraine from the European Union for 2026-2027 remains blocked because of Hungary’s position, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said after the summit, a Radio Liberty correspondent reported from Brussels.
“The loan remains blocked because one leader does not keep his word. But let me repeat what I already said in Kiev. We will fulfil our promise one way or another,” von der Leyen assured.
European Council President António Costa also assured that the funds would be provided to Ukraine one way or another. According to the top official, the leaders during the summit did not return to discussing the issue of providing funds to Ukraine, but took the floor to “clearly condemn the position of Viktor Orban,” who backed away from his promise to support the multi-billion dollar loan.
“All leaders must stick to their word. And nobody can blackmail the European Council. Nobody can blackmail the institutions of the European Union. And we must honour this decision (to grant a loan to Ukraine – ed.),” Costa said.
The European Council president welcomed Ukraine’s commitment to repair the Druzhba pipeline, through which Hungary and Slovakia imported oil from Russia, within six weeks.
“Russia has attacked the Druzhba pipeline 23 times. And this is the 23rd time Ukraine will be rebuilding it again… That is why what Hungary is doing is completely unacceptable and such behaviour cannot be accepted by the leaders. And that is why today in the Rada the leaders were very clear, directly condemning Hungary’s behaviour,” Kosta concluded.
EU leaders at a summit on 19 March did not finally approve a multibillion-dollar loan for Ukraine blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The Hungarian prime minister did not change his position despite criticism against him, saying that Ukraine should first resume transporting Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.