Magyar makes statement on €90 billion loan for Ukraine
Photo: Tisza party leader Péter Magyar (Getty Images)
The leader of the Tisza party and winner of Hungary’s parliamentary elections, Péter Magyar, said he does not understand why the EU is once again discussing a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, he made the statement during a press conference.
"I don’t fully understand this. I will discuss it with European leaders. But personally, I agree that Hungary should opt out," Magyar said.
He stressed that Hungary is "in a very difficult financial situation," and therefore cannot afford additional funding.
"Our task is to bring back the EU funds that are rightfully ours and that every other member state has received except us. Since we have not received them, we cannot use them to improve our economy. That is why we really cannot take on more loans," the politician added.
He also criticized the policies of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, pointing to the inconsistency of his positions on EU decisions.
"Hungary’s budget deficit and public debt have tripled since 2010. So we would like to bring EU funds back home. But this decision was already made in December in Brussels, so I don’t know why it is being reconsidered. Although I understand that Viktor Orbán’s position often changes — after all, he initially supported it and then rejected it," Magyar emphasized.
He added that he hopes Orbán will call him if Hungary has any outstanding international obligations; in particular, if necessary, to discuss a "technical solution" required to allocate the loan to Ukraine.
What preceded this
The issue of a loan for Ukraine remains a subject of intense disputes within the European Union. Kyiv has still not been able to receive around €90 billion in assistance, as Hungary is blocking a procedural decision, which has set a condition — the resumption of Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline.
Budapest’s position has triggered a strong reaction among partners. In particular, Sweden has stated it is ready to consider invoking Article 7 of the EU Treaty, which could strip Hungary of its voting rights. European Council President António Costa called the actions of the Hungarian authorities "unacceptable."
At the same time, the European Commission emphasizes that funding for Ukraine will be secured regardless of the position of individual countries. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will "one way or another" find a mechanism to provide Kyiv with the loan.
