Macron expects Hungary's new leadership to unlock €90 billion for Ukraine
Photo: Emmanuel Macron, President of France (Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron expects "progress" from Hungary’s new government on the issue of a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, according to 24.hu.
The French leader also said that the formation of a new government marks the beginning of a new era not only for Hungary, but for Europe as well.
"We can look with optimism at the prospects of making progress on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion loan," Macron said.
He added that the formation of Hungary’s new government is "very positive" for Ukraine, as well as "for us and our credibility."
EU loan for Ukraine
At the end of 2025, European leaders agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan. However, after Russia damaged the Druzhba pipeline, Hungary blocked the loan. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said he would only lift the veto once oil supplies are restored.
It is worth noting that the election victory of Tisza party leader Péter Magyar in Hungary does not automatically mean the unblocking of the €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine.
Magyar said he is ready to discuss the issue with European leaders, but the decision was effectively made back in December by the European Council, when Hungary, Slovakia, and Czechia were given the option not to participate in the program.
Even if Budapest drops its objections, the next hurdle is Bratislava, because Slovakia and its Prime Minister Robert Fico have not changed their position. In addition, this is further complicated by standard bureaucratic delays, as the formation of Hungary’s new government will take time.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the European Commission has postponed the first tranche under the €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
