The EU considers a compromise with Hungary to clear aid routes to Ukraine
(Dan Tri) – The EU is considering disbursing billions of euros frozen in recovery and development funds for Hungary.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the autumn session of the Hungarian Parliament (Photo: Reuters).
Hungary has a close relationship with Russia, so they are considered the biggest barrier to two important decisions of the European Union (EU): conducting negotiations on EU membership.
Both of these key issues, expected to be voted on later this year, require the approval of all 27 coalition members, including Hungary.
A senior EU official said that in order to convince Hungary to vote in favor, the alliance is expected to consider disbursing billions of euros worth of grants to the country, which are frozen due to concerns that
Another EU official also confirmed the link between the funding for Hungary and the union’s plans, including talks on expanding membership and the bloc’s budget, which both require unanimity.
The amount of aid discussed, according to the Financial Times, is estimated at 13 billion euros ($13.6 billion).
`Hungary urgently needs money, which is the driving force for reform. In return, the EU needs Hungary to lift its veto on some issues,` an EU diplomat said, `It is difficult for the European Commission to act.`
Before the Hungarian Parliament, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that many issues need to be resolved before the EU begins membership negotiations with Ukraine, a process that will take many years before Ukraine officially joins.
Mr. Orban also clearly pointed out the line between supporting Ukraine and releasing EU funding funds.
Recently, Hungary passed a new law to strengthen judicial independence, thereby bringing the agreement closer to the disbursement of an economic development aid package worth 22 billion euros.
Speaking in Budapest on October 3, Hungary’s EU Affairs Minister said he expected a new agreement with the EU on frozen aid funds worth about 9 billion euros by the end of this year.
However, the results of these agreements are still difficult to determine as much depends on Prime Minister Orban, who is facing economic stagnation and Hungary’s increasingly serious budget deficit.
For Ukraine, the country that applied to join the EU just days after Russia conducted a special military campaign in February 2022, Western support is a `lifesaver` and EU membership is
Over the next few weeks, the European Commission will issue a formal assessment of Ukraine’s progress in meeting negotiating conditions ahead of a vote by EU leaders in December.
To Uyen