THE EU has failed to agree on a new €30 billion ($32 billion) as part of its military assistance to Ukraine after Hungary vetoed the measure at an emergency EU council meeting in Brussels on Thursday.
Despite the overwhelming support from the other 26 EU nations, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban blocked the leaders’ statement, delaying further assistance to Kiev.
The proposed five-point agreement consisted of providing security guarantees to Ukraine and a commitment that no negotiations would take place without Kiev.
However, Orban, who has been a vocal critic of the military aid to Ukraine and a strong advocate for peace talks, rejected the proposal, saying that the proposal contradicts Hungary’s official stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.
“It talks about Ukraine needing to be strengthened so that it can fight even further. And Hungary, of course, did not support it because this was completely contrary to our position in favour of peace,” Orban told reporters after the meeting.
Shortly after the meeting, reports indicated the members in favour of aid wanted to bypass the members who had objected to the aid delivery package to Ukraine.
As per the official statement published on the European Council website, the final decision on Ukraine’s support has been postponed until the next EU leaders’ summit, scheduled for March 20.
Meanwhile, European Council President Antonio Costa signalled that the EU is looking for ways to continue military aid to Ukraine despite Hungary’s objections.
“Hungary has a different approach on Ukraine; it means Hungary is isolated within the EU27—and 26 are more than one,” Costa said.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also hinted at an alternative plan, saying the bloc is working on a “coalition of the willing” that would allow member states to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine without requiring unanimous approval.
The emergency summit was convened following growing concerns among EU leaders over the impact of US President Donald Trump’s recent policy shift on Ukraine.
While the decision on Ukraine aid was delayed, EU leaders, including Orban, approved a separate initiative to boost European defence spending by up to €800 billion.
Russia has repeatedly warned against Western military support for Ukraine, arguing that it only prolongs the conflict and increases the risk of escalation of Russia with the European Union.
