EU may create new military aid fund for Ukraine to bypass Hungary's veto
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (Getty Images)
The European Union is looking for ways to overcome Hungary's blocking of military aid to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility, reports El Pais. For almost 1.5 years, Hungary has been blocking €6 billion, supposed to compensate EU countries for the supply of weapons to Kyiv.
In response, the EU is considering creating a new intergovernmental fund with voluntary contributions, excluding Budapest's participation. However, the creation of such a fund requires the unanimity of all 27 EU countries, including Hungary.
The EU foreign ministers will discuss this proposal at a meeting in Luxembourg organized by the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell. An alternative fund or other workarounds are being discussed, but require legal review.
The EU is also finalizing a €35 billion package for Ukraine to be paid out of the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. However, Hungary is also obstructing this decision, insisting on a delay until after the US election in November.
The block is facing a growing debt to countries that continue to supply Ukraine with military equipment despite Hungary's blocking of compensation.
Hungary's veto on aid to Ukraine
For several months now, Hungary has been blocking the allocation of €6.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility. According to official statements, Budapest fears that its contributions to the fund will be used for military support for Ukraine.
Recently, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that Budapest would continue to block the decision to allocate these funds until Ukraine resumes the transit of Russian oil Lukoil.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that the EU was discussing options to override Hungary's veto.
