At the European Union summit held on March 19, EU member state leaders failed to reach a final agreement on a multi-billion euro loan for Ukraine due to the position of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Despite significant pressure from European partners and criticism, Hungary refused to support the decision on financial assistance for Ukraine. Slovakia also remains among the countries that have not signed the relevant declaration.
This is reported by Kyiv24
EU’s Position on Supporting Ukraine
In the concluding remarks of the summit, approved by 25 EU countries, it was stated that the Union will continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine. Leaders expect the first tranche of the loan amounting to 90 billion euros to arrive as early as April. At the same time, the document emphasizes the need to enhance cooperation with third countries to address the funding gap for Ukraine, estimated at 30 billion euros.
“Following the decision in December 2025 to provide Ukraine with a support loan of 90 billion euros for 2026-2027, the European Council welcomes its adoption by co-legislators and expects the first tranche for Ukraine at the beginning of April. In this context, it also calls for intensified work with third countries to close the funding gap for Ukraine of 30 billion euros,” the summit’s decision, supported by 25 member states, states.
Sanctions Against Russia and Political Blockages
The European Council continues to insist on increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. However, the adoption of the 20th sanctions package has also been blocked by Hungary and Slovakia. The summit conclusions include a call to limit Russia’s revenue from energy resource exports and further restrict its banking system. The necessity of comprehensive measures to combat the activities of the so-called “shadow fleet” is also emphasized.
Separately, the involvement of the armed forces of North Korea in Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as support for Moscow from Iran and Belarus, has been condemned. The European Council once again calls on Russia to immediately cease hostilities and begin constructive negotiations to establish a just and sustainable peace, emphasizing the need to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Before the summit, Western diplomats expressed increasing skepticism about the likelihood of Hungary lifting its blockade on the loan for Ukraine. Despite active negotiations, Budapest’s position remains unchanged. Slovakia and Hungary are not only blocking the loan but also hindering the consideration of a new sanctions package, arguing that it is necessary to restore the transportation of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.