EU Ministers Optimistic on €90bn Ukraine Loan After Hungarian Election Shift

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.

This ruling poses a test for the incoming Tisza government under Péter Magyar, who aims to improve relations with the EU, with potential financial penalties if Hungary does not comply.

Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland

requested a discussion on suspending the EU's association treaty with Israel, citing concerns over human rights and international law. Spain's foreign minister José Manuel Albares argued that the EU must maintain credibility by applying the same principles to Israel as to Russia in Ukraine.

Germany's foreign minister Joseph Wadephul dismissed suspending the agreement as inappropriate but called for critical dialogue with Israel on settler violence. Ireland's foreign minister Helen McEntee highlighted Israel's recent law introducing penalties targeting Palestinians as unacceptable, pushing for clear actions at the next council meeting.

He urged continued investigation into information shared by outgoing Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó with Russia and emphasized swift release of the Ukraine loan. The ministers' meeting in Luxembourg also included an update from Lebanese prime minister Nawaf Salam on regional security in the Middle East.