Unacceptable behavior: Orbán sharply criticized during European Council meeting
Photo: European Council President António Costa (Getty Images)
The behavior of the pro-Russian Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in blocking the loan for Ukraine is unacceptable. Orbán has crossed a "red line" for a member of the European Union, Politico informs.
European Council President António Costa lashed out at Orbán during the discussion in the chamber over the €90 billion loan for Ukraine. He stated that Orbán’s behavior is "unacceptable."
Costa added that no EU leader had previously crossed this "red line." He emphasized that even Hungary’s view that the situation has changed — due to Russian attacks — should not affect this principle. Costa’s position was supported by 20 other EU leaders.
"The leader’s decision cannot depend on what a third country does. Costa added that Budapest has access to alternative oil supply routes," the outlet writes.
Orbán attempted to justify himself, claiming he allegedly has the right to block the decision. Another pro-Russian figure, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, also defended him, stating that Slovakia joins Hungary in blocking the Council’s decision regarding Ukraine.
Earlier, the outlet noted that Orbán blocked the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, which he himself had approved in December — crossing a line beyond which the EU would no longer remain silent. For example, Germany expressed outrage, and Sweden openly stated it is ready to consider Article 7 of the EU Treaty — a mechanism to strip Hungary of its voting rights.
The summit also highlighted that the European Union could begin transferring funds to Ukraine under the €90 billion loan as early as the beginning of April. The process is still being blocked by Hungary.
During the summit, Orbán even dared to declare that Hungary would not support any decision in favor of Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline is operational. According to Putin’s ally, all evidence that the pipeline was disabled by Russian attacks is "just a fairy tale."
