We shouldn't 'harm EU's budget': Orban keeps opposing €50 billion aid to Ukraine

During a press conference on Tuesday, January 16, the head of the Hungarian government stated that any financial instrument for Ukraine should be separate from the EU budget.

"If we want to help Ukraine, which I think we need to do, we have to do it in a way that doesn't harm the EU's budget," he said.

Orban confirmed Hungary's opposition to granting Ukraine macro-financial assistance of €50 billion from the EU.

"But to give away 50 billion euros from the EU budget for four years in advance is a violation of the EU's sovereignty and national interests. We do not even know what will happen in a quarter of a year," expressed the Hungarian politician.

Orban mentioned Hungary's proposal to create a mechanism for financial support for Ukraine based on the distribution of aid according to the Gross National Income.

"If Brussels accepts this, then there'll be help for Ukraine, outside the budget," he said. "If not, then I'll be sad to halt this process," he reiterated his intention to use the veto right.

€50 billion from EU to Ukraine

Recall that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban refuses to provide military assistance to Ukraine after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. He continues to maintain a partnership with Moscow despite its aggression.

Budapest has repeatedly used the veto possibility when the EU considered issues related to aid to Ukraine. Recently, Orban blocked an initiative providing €50 billion for Ukraine.

However, The Financial Times, citing sources, reported that the European Commission is ready to compromise on some of Hungary's demands to allocate €50 billion to Ukraine.

Additionally, recently in the European Parliament, the necessary 120 signatures were gathered for a petition to strip Hungary's Prime Minister Orban of the right to vote in the EU Council.