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EU Ministers Optimistic on €90bn Ukraine Loan After Hungarian Election Shift
EU foreign ministers expressed hope for approving a €90bn loan to Ukraine following the recent defeat of Viktor Orbán in Hungary's election. Positive decisions are expected as soon as Wednesday, amid prospects of resuming oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline. Discussions also covered sanctions on Russia and potential actions regarding Israel's EU association agreement.
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EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that she expects some positive decisions on Wednesday regarding a €90bn loan for Ukraine, emphasizing its importance in signaling that Russia cannot outlast Ukraine. Several EU ministers voiced relief over the recent Hungarian election result, where Viktor Orbán lost to Péter Magyar, anticipating progress on the loan and sanctions against Russia.
The loan, agreed upon in December but delayed by vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia, could see funds disbursed as early as May, according to Latvia's junior foreign minister Artjoms Uršuļskis. Sweden's Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed optimism that the removal of the Hungarian obstacle would allow the EU to deliver on its promises to Ukraine and advance the 20th sanctions package against Russia.
Poland's junior minister Ignacy Niemczycki indicated that many Ukraine-related issues would unblock after the expected change of government in Hungary, with decisions possibly in the coming days.
“Ukraine really needs this loan and it is also a sign that Russia cannot outlast Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that deliveries halted due to actions by the Kyiv regime, but Russia remains prepared to fulfill contractual obligations.”
The EU's top court ruled that Hungary's law banning LGBTQ+ content in schools and primetime TV violates EU laws on fundamental rights and freedom of expression. The court stated the law contradicts the Union's identity as a common legal order based on pluralism.
