EU leaders have failed to persuade Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s prime minister, to support a €90bn (£78bn) loan agreed last year to aid Ukraine. Orbán has refused to sign off on the funds, citing a dispute over the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline.
Orbán stressed that he will ‘never support any kind of decision which is in favour of Ukraine’ whilst Hungarians are not able to get oil that belongs to them. He described the matter as “existential” for Hungarian households and businesses, rejecting political framing and emphasising that support for Ukraine depends on securing the promised oil.
Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief, said she did not expect a resolution before Hungary’s elections on 12 April, warning Orbán’s stance violates the EU treaty principle of good faith.
Key points:
• Hungary and Slovakia blocked a European Council statement backing the release of Ukraine funds.
• The dispute centres on the Druzhba pipeline, which brings Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine. Ukraine said the pipeline had been damaged in a Russian air attack, but Orbán has accused Kyiv of stalling on repairs.
• Petteri Orpo, Finland’s prime minister, said Orbán was using Ukraine “as a weapon” in his election campaign, adding: “I think that he betrayed us and we need to find a solution how to go forward.”
EU leaders met in Brussels on Thursday (19 March) for a two‑day European Council summit, focusing on the military escalation in the Middle East and tensions involving Iran, including their impact on energy prices and EU energy security.
Leaders also planned discussions on the bloc’s strategic competitiveness, the next multiannual financial framework, security and defence, and migration policy as part of broader efforts to respond to geopolitical pressures.
ℹ️ EC AV Portal , The Guardian
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