EU Approves Loan to Ukraine After Hungary Lifts Opposition
The European Union has given preliminary approval to a multibillion-euro loan for Ukraine, overcoming months of delays caused by Hungary's objections. The shift follows the recent defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in elections, with the new government dropping opposition to the aid. The Druzhba pipeline, damaged earlier this year, has also reopened amid the developments.
The Washington PostThe approval comes after months of delays primarily due to objections from Hungary.
Orban, who had been the chief opponent of the loan, lost his reelection campaign this month. The Washington Post reported the loan amount as $105 billion, while The New York Times cited $106 billion and other sources specified €90 billion.
The Druzhba pipeline, which had been damaged by Russia in January, has reopened. This pipeline was central to a standoff involving Ukraine, the EU, Hungary, and Slovakia. Le Monde noted that the reopening coincides with the EU's preliminary approval of the loan.
Zelenskyy described the unblocking of the loan as ‘the right signal’. Fico criticized the incoming Hungarian government, indicating potential changes in relations between Bratislava and Budapest. The Guardian reported that formal EU procedures are expected to conclude soon.
The developments highlight shifting alliances in the region amid ongoing conflicts. Where sources differ on the exact loan amount, the figures range from €90 billion to $106 billion, reflecting possible currency conversions or slight variations in reporting.
