Macron: Orban can change his mind on Ukraine to avoid blocking funds for Hungary

It is reported that Macron believes that in the new year, Orban can be persuaded to accept the financial support package for Ukraine since his decision to block it meant blocking new funds for his own country, its neighbors, and for migration border control.

Macron added that Orban told European leaders that he would not block negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU if Kyiv completes the remaining reforms proposed to be implemented by March next year.

"If these rules are met, and I asked him the question, he told me that he would not block, if that were the case. If the seven rules are met, then you will need to be able to open discussions," Macron said.

Aid to Ukraine from the EU

The European Commission proposed allocating 50 billion euros to Ukraine over the next five years, a decision that requires approval from all countries. However, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has close ties to the Kremlin, vetoed the proposal.

Earlier, Hungary threatened not to approve the allocation of 50 billion euros to Ukraine. It also demanded that the EU unfreeze 30 billion euros earmarked for Budapest. The European Commission partially met the demand and unfroze 10 billion euros. To unfreeze the remaining funds in Hungary, certain conditions must be met.

Additionally, EU leaders reached "broad agreement" on the budget for the multi-year financial program.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already welcomed the EU's decision to create the Ukrainian Fund of 50 billion euros for the years 2024-2027.

In response, the Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, stated that EU funding would continue to reach Ukraine, despite the decision of Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.

Moreover, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the Commission is working on potential alternatives in case there is no unanimous support within the EU for the 50 billion euro aid package for Ukraine