New EU aid for Ukraine has broad support, but details remain – Kallas
Photo: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas (Getty Images)
The European Union's new €40 billion aid package for Ukraine has broad political support, but many details still need to be finalized, including Hungary’s position, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas during a press conference after the EU Council meeting.
Kallas emphasized that the EU Council is focused on accelerating work on the new aid package for Ukraine.
"There is a broad political support for that initiative, which is good, but there are a lot of details that need to be worked out because there are also defense ministers that need to have a say - and we have a meeting of defense ministers. But it is important that the (European - ed.) Council said that we need to move swiftly and that is what we are doing," she said.
When asked how Hungary might react to the proposal, Kallas responded, "The proposal already counts in that we have to take those countries who want to work with it".
Hungary blocks aid to Ukraine
Hungary uses its veto power to block important EU decisions, including aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. This has led to calls from European MPs to deprive the country of its voting rights in the EU Council.
Recently, the EU proposed creating a fund to send military aid to Ukraine, ranging from €20 billion to €40 billion. The fund would be based on voluntary participation to avoid a Hungary veto.
