Espreso. Global

EU considers unlocking funds for Hungary amid Ukraine aid negotiations

3 October, 2023 Tuesday
17:41

The EU is contemplating unfreezing funds for Hungary due to concerns about the rule of law

Reuters reported the information.

This move is aimed at gaining Budapest's approval for aid to Ukraine and initiating membership talks for Kyiv. Hungary's closer ties with Russia make it a potential opponent to the decision on Kyiv's accession talks in December. 

Additionally, the EU is seeking member states' contributions to support more aid to Ukraine, a decision expected later this year. Releasing the frozen funds is seen as crucial to sway Hungary's vote, although a deal is not certain, and it depends on Prime Minister Viktor Orban's response. 

"I can't imagine Hungary agreeing without there first being a solution to the blocked funds," a senior UN official told Reuters.

Hungary urgently needs the funds, which could incentivize reforms, but the Commission also expects Budapest to lift its vetoes on various issues in return.

"Hungary needs the money urgently, which is an incentive for reform. The Commission needs Hungary to lift its vetoes on a number of issues in return. But I don't think the Commission will or can move without any movement on reforms from Budapest," said an EU diplomat.

EU’s dilemma in seeking agreement with Hungary 

Hungary's recent legislation aimed at enhancing judicial independence is bringing the EU closer to unfreezing a substantial EUR 22 billion in economic development aid, as per EU officials. Hungary's Minister of EU Affairs, speaking in Budapest, is hopeful for an agreement with the EU regarding the frozen funds by year-end.

This situation poses a dilemma for the EU, as it must balance its commitment to upholding democratic standards within its member states with its support for Ukraine in resisting Russia's invasion and pursuing Western integration. For Ukraine, EU membership is a crucial national objective, and it applied for membership soon after Russia's invasion in February of the previous year.

Before the December EU leaders' vote, the Commission will assess Ukraine's progress in meeting the prerequisites for commencing negotiations.

Prime Minister Orban has stressed that addressing "tough issues" is a prerequisite before the EU can initiate membership negotiations with Ukraine. He emphasized that this process, if it proceeds, would take years for Kyiv to become an EU member.

During a recent speech in the Hungarian parliament, Orban made a clear distinction between supporting Ukraine and releasing EU funds. He stated, "Brussels... is expecting us to agree to an amendment to the European Union budget that requires unanimity. They are asking us... to give even more money to Ukraine."

Orban further argued that "Brussels should give us the money that is due to Hungarians," asserting that doing so would significantly improve the state of public finances and ultimately balance the budget.

EU
Read also:
  • News
2023, Friday
1 December
22:00
Review
Victorious news of 646th day of war: Ukraine to produce air defense systems, intelligence conducts another sabotage in Buryatia
21:40
Ukrainian forces repel 50 Russian attacks in four sectors - General Staff
21:20
OPINION
Victory components: strength of army, unity of support, commitment of allies
21:00
Exclusive
Ukrainian servicemen details Russian army's tactics in Avdiivka
20:39
Russia damages, destroys 863 cultural heritage sites in Ukraine during full-scale war
20:20
Exclusive
What investments in human capital will Ukraine need in long term?
20:00
Exclusive
Captain reveals Ukrainian army's main task on Dnipro's left bank in Kherson region
19:39
Ukrainian drivers blocked at Polish border talk to consul: what was agreed on?
19:18
Satellite image of the Crimea bridge dated November 28 (source: MT Anderson)
Storm ruins barriers against marine drones near Crimea bridge
19:00
Review
With blood on their hands: Unmasking enemy informants and understanding their motives
18:40
Ukraine receives field hospitals, medical evacuation vehicles from Netherlands
18:20
Russia fails to secure seat on International Maritime Organization (IMO) board
18:00
Animals die in zoo in Kherson region due to Russian criminal inaction
17:39
146 more Ukrainians want to evacuate from Gaza Strip - ambassador
17:20
OPINION
December 1, 1991 referendum gives Ukrainian independence absolute legitimacy
17:01
Presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, Poland boycott joint photo at COP28 summit over Lukashenko
16:39
Switzerland freezes Russian financial assets worth about USD 8.81 billion
16:18
Russian night attacks on Kherson region result in death and injuries
15:58
Exclusive
Putin tries to restore status quo of his army - chairman of Reservists' Councilon intensification of Russian attacks
15:36
Part of Crimean bridge's defenses destroyed by powerful storm - OSINT analyst
15:16
British intelligence names key weapon to counter Russian aggression in Black Sea
15:01
President Zelenskyy fears conflict in Israel could "overshadow" war in Ukraine
14:42
OPINION
How to handle Russian financial assets frozen in the West?
14:23
Ukraine’s Security Service blows up 2nd freight train in Buryatia in 2 days
14:04
December 1 All-Ukrainian referendum and Ukraine's independence
13:51
Exclusive
Russian forces will intensify along all front lines for some time to come - miliatry expert Zgurets
13:33
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense announces plans to manufacture air defense systems with over 100 km range
13:14
Orban believes negotiations on Ukraine's accession to EU should not begin
12:55
Russian sociologists say 78.5% of Russians trust Putin, 75.2% approve of his actions
12:36
Exclusive
War is so intense that government won't fully meet all front's needs - commander of Achilles brigade
12:17
President Zelenskyy says war with Russia is entering new phase
12:01
Russian largest oil, gas companies profits fall by 41% in 2023
11:46
Kremlin worries setbacks in Ukraine's war will affect election results in Russia - ISW
11:31
"Ukraine mobilizes students" and other Russian fakes exposed on November 30
11:13
Ukrainian air defense destroys 18 drones and Kh-59 missile at night
10:54
ISW: Russian army advances in Avdiivka sector, Ukraine's forces in Kherson region try to advance south of Krynky
10:37
Russia loses 1,280 soldiers in one day, 330,000 overall since beginning of large-scale war - General Staff
10:13
Delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine postponed to next year
09:55
Exclusive
Russians destroy over 1,000 multi-storey buildings in Mariupol, now report providing 80 mortgages - city council deputy
09:34
Occupying Russian army shells Kupyansk district, Kharkiv region: residential buildings, infrastructure damaged
More news