EU Commission delegation heads to Hungary to discuss Ukraine loan with Magyar

The European Commission confirmed it will hold its first talks with Hungary’s new government, hoping for more constructive relations after years of tensions with Viktor Orbán.

The meeting in Budapest comes just days after Magyar’s historic victory, which ended Orbán’s 16-year rule.

"The clock is ticking for a number of topics. These are preliminary talks that are taking place in order to make sure that once the government is in place, really, action can be taken if appropriate, and that we do not waste any time," said European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho.

One of the most pressing issues for the EU is how quickly Magyar will lift Hungary’s blockade of a critical €90 billion loan for Ukraine, as well as the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.

EU loan for Ukraine

As previously reported, the election victory of Tisza party leader Péter Magyar does not mean the €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine will be unblocked.

Magyar said he is ready to discuss the issue with European leaders. However, the European Council had essentially already made the decision in December, granting Hungary, Slovakia, and Czechia the right not to join the program.

Magyar also expects outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to lift his veto on the €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine once oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline are restored.

As RBC-Ukraine reported, even if Budapest lifts its objections, the next move is Bratislava’s - Slovakia and its Prime Minister Robert Fico have not yet changed their position.

On top of that, there is the usual bureaucratic delay: forming Hungary’s new government will take time.

At the same time, it has emerged that the European Commission has postponed the first tranche under the €90 billion loan for Ukraine.