EU Unable to Reach Consensus on €30 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine
The EU has delayed a decision regarding military aid for Ukraine following Hungary's veto of a joint statement that would have approved €30 billion in funding.. source:TROIB RTS
TroibNews 
Hungary has vetoed the European Union's joint statement that aimed to secure €30 billion in aid for Ukraine by year’s end.
At an emergency European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday, the EU could not reach an agreement on a new military aid package for Ukraine due to Hungary's opposition. Despite the support of the other 26 EU member states, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the leaders' statement, putting a hold on further assistance to Kiev.
The five-point agreement proposed security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasized that no negotiations with Russia should occur without Kiev’s involvement, and committed to maintaining Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Orban, who has been an outspoken critic of military aid to Ukraine and advocates for peace talks, dismissed the proposal, contending that it conflicted with Hungary’s position.
”It talks about Ukraine needing to be strengthened so that it can fight even further. And Hungary, of course, did not support it because this was completely contrary to our position in favor of peace,” Orban told reporters after the meeting.
According to the final statement posted on the European Council website, the decision regarding Ukraine’s support has been postponed until the next EU leaders’ summit set for March 20.
In the meantime, European Council President Antonio Costa indicated that the EU is exploring options to maintain military aid to Ukraine despite Hungary’s stance. ”Hungary has a different approach on Ukraine; it means Hungary is isolated within the EU27 – and 26 are more than one,” Costa remarked. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also suggested an alternative strategy, mentioning that the bloc is developing a "coalition of the willing" to enable member states to continue military support for Ukraine without requiring unanimous consent.
The emergency summit was called in response to escalating concerns among EU leaders regarding the implications of US President Donald Trump’s recent policy changes related to Ukraine. Reports indicate that Trump has frozen new military aid for Kiev and is urging the EU to assume greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense and its own security concerns.
While the decision on aid to Ukraine was postponed, EU leaders, including Orban, approved a distinct initiative to increase European defense spending by as much as €800 billion. This initiative, titled ReArm Europe, was introduced earlier this week by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who announced plans to present legal proposals within the next two weeks.
Russia has consistently cautioned against Western military support for Ukraine, arguing that such assistance only prolongs the conflict and heightens the risk of escalation.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
At an emergency European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday, the EU could not reach an agreement on a new military aid package for Ukraine due to Hungary's opposition. Despite the support of the other 26 EU member states, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the leaders' statement, putting a hold on further assistance to Kiev.
The five-point agreement proposed security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasized that no negotiations with Russia should occur without Kiev’s involvement, and committed to maintaining Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Orban, who has been an outspoken critic of military aid to Ukraine and advocates for peace talks, dismissed the proposal, contending that it conflicted with Hungary’s position.
”It talks about Ukraine needing to be strengthened so that it can fight even further. And Hungary, of course, did not support it because this was completely contrary to our position in favor of peace,” Orban told reporters after the meeting.
According to the final statement posted on the European Council website, the decision regarding Ukraine’s support has been postponed until the next EU leaders’ summit set for March 20.
In the meantime, European Council President Antonio Costa indicated that the EU is exploring options to maintain military aid to Ukraine despite Hungary’s stance. ”Hungary has a different approach on Ukraine; it means Hungary is isolated within the EU27 – and 26 are more than one,” Costa remarked. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also suggested an alternative strategy, mentioning that the bloc is developing a "coalition of the willing" to enable member states to continue military support for Ukraine without requiring unanimous consent.
The emergency summit was called in response to escalating concerns among EU leaders regarding the implications of US President Donald Trump’s recent policy changes related to Ukraine. Reports indicate that Trump has frozen new military aid for Kiev and is urging the EU to assume greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense and its own security concerns.
While the decision on aid to Ukraine was postponed, EU leaders, including Orban, approved a distinct initiative to increase European defense spending by as much as €800 billion. This initiative, titled ReArm Europe, was introduced earlier this week by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who announced plans to present legal proposals within the next two weeks.
Russia has consistently cautioned against Western military support for Ukraine, arguing that such assistance only prolongs the conflict and heightens the risk of escalation.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
