The European Union has given the green light for a €900 million (£784m) payment to Hungary, which was previously frozen as part of the recovery funds. This move is aimed at addressing Hungary’s opposition to providing aid to Ukraine.
The European Commission had previously excluded Hungary from the EU’s economic stimulus plan due to concerns about corruption and the perceived erosion of democratic checks and balances, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
To counter Budapest’s veto on aid to Ukraine, the EU has taken this step to release the funds.
Hungary’s objections had led to a deadlock on EU decisions scheduled for next month, including a proposed €50 billion economic aid package for Ukraine until 2027 and the initiation of accession talks with Kyiv.
Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, emphasised earlier that assisting Ukraine in joining the European Union is viewed as a “question of moral duty.” This move reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to address disagreements within the EU and support Ukraine’s economic and political aspirations.
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