Image: BBC World
In a dramatic turn of events during a European Union summit in Brussels, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has drawn fierce criticism from fellow EU leaders after he vetoed a significant €90 billion (£77 billion) loan intended for Ukraine. This decision has been characterized by some leaders as an act of disloyalty and blackmail, igniting tensions within the EU.
Orbán's refusal to lift the veto came on Thursday, as he cited ongoing disputes concerning a damaged pipeline critical for transporting Russian oil to Hungary. He notably remarked, "No oil = no money" in a post on X, underscoring his position that the pipeline issue must be resolved before any financial assistance can be granted to Ukraine.
The reactions from European leaders were swift and scathing. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described Orbán's actions as a "gross act of disloyalty", while European Council President António Costa accused him of engaging in blackmail. Such statements reflect a growing frustration among EU members, particularly as they navigate complex geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Orbán's relationship with Russia has been contentious, especially since the invasion began in 2022. His administration has openly criticized Ukraine, arguing that it has compromised Hungary's energy security by failing to repair the Druzhba pipeline—a critical route for transporting Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukraine maintains that the pipeline was damaged due to Russian airstrikes in January, leading to significant delays in repairs, and insists that restoring oil flow would effectively equate to lifting sanctions on Russia.
As the EU leaders convened late into the night, frustration mounted over Orbán's position. Merz stated that veteran members of the European Council were particularly incensed by the events of that day. He expressed a firm belief that Orbán's actions would have long-lasting repercussions for Hungary's standing within the EU.
French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the meeting's outcomes as “unprecedented” and emphasized the need for the loan's release to be executed without further delay. Costa echoed this sentiment, labeling Hungary's behavior as **
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