European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on March 20 that the European Union will find ways to deliver a €90 billion loan to Ukraine despite opposition from Hungary.
Speaking to reporters, von der Leyen stressed that the EU is determined to provide the promised financial support “one way or another.” At a summit in Brussels, EU leaders failed to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to lift his veto on the loan package.
European Council President António Costa described Hungary’s position as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that commitments must be upheld.
“An agreement is an agreement. We must keep our word, and no one can blackmail the European Council,” Costa said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also noted that EU leaders had tasked the European Commission with identifying alternative mechanisms to ensure the loan is delivered. He described Orbán’s veto as “an unprecedented act of serious betrayal.”
“This is a serious violation of the principle of loyalty among member states and damages the reputation of the European Union,” Merz added.
Ahead of the summit, Viktor Orbán stated that Hungary would block any decisions benefiting Ukraine until Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline are restored.
“Hungary’s position is very simple. We are ready to support Ukraine when we receive our oil, which they are currently blocking,” Orbán said.
