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EU leaders agreed to allocate financial assistance to Ukraine at a EU summit on February 1 amid concerns Hungary would hinder the process.
“We have a deal. All 27 leaders agreed on an additional €50 billion support package for Ukraine within the EU budget. This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine,” wrote Michel.
For months, the media and politicians were buzzing about Hungarian threat to the decision as Viktor Orban, Hungarian PM, was determined to impede providing money to Ukraine.
Previously, Donald Tusk claimed EU leaders “had arguments to convince Orban” to vote for the package. He met with Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel ahead of the general meeting.
“EU is taking leadership & responsibility in support for Ukraine; we know what is at stake,” added Michel on X, emphasizing the EU was able to unite all member states.
As of now, no details on the agreement have been provided. Some reporters suggest that it includes reviewing the assistance in two years, but Hungary will not get an opportunity to veto it.
Orban in an interview with the French magazine Le Point stated that he would not block the package if it was reviewed every year, hence blackmail concerns.
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