Orbán handed ultimatum at EU summit on €50 bln for Ukraine
Photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (Getty Images)
During the summit in Brussels, representatives of the EU member states threatened to deprive the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, of his right to vote, reports Corriere della Sera.
The threats were made not only because Budapest had been blocking a 50 billion euro aid package to Ukraine but also due to the collective unwillingness to let the split within the EU happen.
The key role in the negotiations with Orbán was played by the Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, who shares some views with the Hungarian leader, says the article. At the same time, Orbán's "surrender" was achieved through collective efforts and threats of punishment.
The leaders of the EU countries threatened to apply Article 7 of the EU Charter, which provides for the deprivation of the right to vote. This would mean removing the Hungarian prime minister from decision-making.
EU financial aid for Ukraine
On February 1, at a summit in Brussels, EU member states approved the allocation of 50 billion euros for Ukraine within the framework of the Ukraine Facility program for the period 2024-2027.
The leaders of EU countries agreed on two conditions under which it was possible to unblock aid for our country.
EU leaders had already tried to find a deal at a summit on December 14 and 15, but Hungary had vetoed aid to Ukraine, saying it wanted a solution that did not involve using the EU budget. To try to convince Budapest, an emergency meeting of the European Council was called, which led to the agreement.
