Will Hungary veto the EU’s big plans regarding Ukraine?
The EU is facing a major roadblock in its efforts to support Ukraine, as Hungary is expected to veto a crucial EUR 20 billion aid package. With divisions deepening among member states, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to unveil new defence spending plans, while seeking alternative ways to back Ukraine. As the 6 March summit approaches, the EU must navigate growing resistance and find creative solutions to maintain its support for Kyiv.
Hungary is expected to veto
According to Politico, the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, is set to unveil her plan for increased EU defence spending, though uncertainty looms over a proposed aid package for Ukraine. Hungary is expected to veto the EUR 20 billion package, originally put forward by High Representative Kaja Kallas and several member states. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has urged European Council President António Costa not to include divisive issues on the 6 March summit agenda, citing concerns over escalating the war. As a result, references to further military aid have been removed from the latest EU Council draft agenda.
EU aid package
Portfolio notes that despite efforts to secure consensus, Costa has admitted defeat in persuading Orbán to support the aid package. Slovakia’s Robert Fico has also voiced opposition, while other EU capitals, including Paris, appear open to reconsidering the proposal. Meanwhile, Von der Leyen is expected to propose alternative ways for European Union members to assist Ukraine. The bloc has already committed EUR 60 billion in military aid by 2025, a pledge that remains intact. Additionally, France has suggested using seized Russian assets to enforce a potential ceasefire, and discussions around security guarantees have been reinforced in the latest negotiations.
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