Hungary vetoes 18 billion euro aid package to Ukraine from EU

This is reported by Politico.

The decision of Viktor Orban's government has forced the European Commission and other EU countries to look for an alternative solution to ensure that Ukraine receives much-needed funds in January.

European Commissioner for budget Johannes Hahn promised that the European Commission will consider how "to offer Ukraine the necessary solution from January 2023." An option with so-called enhanced cooperation is being considered, which will circumvent the veto. 

However, this decision will require EU countries to provide national budget guarantees, which in some cases require parliamentary approval, which may take some time.

Politico notes that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban uses the issue of assistance to Ukraine as a lever to secure his share of EU funds. The European Union has blocked part of the money intended for Budapest due to violations of the rule of law in Hungary.

"We were not able to adopt the package as a whole but we will not be discouraged. Our ambition remains that we will start disbursements to Ukraine in January," said Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura, who led the meeting of EU finance ministers. 

He said it was necessary to work on a "solution supported by 26 member states" that would bypass Hungary's veto. It can be adopted at a new summit of EU finance ministers on December 12 or at a meeting of EU leaders in mid-December. 

At the same time, EU governments have until December 19 to decide on freezing EU funds for Hungary. Orban must comply with EU requirements by this time. Otherwise, Hungary will lose 70% of EU payments in 5.8% billion euros.