Brussels suggests Budapest annual four-year review process of aid to Ukraine

One day before the summit, the European Union presented Hungary with a compromise regarding aid to Ukraine. Brussels proposes an annual four-year review process for assistance to Ukraine, allowing EU leaders to discuss the allocation and utilization of funds. Importantly, this compromise eliminates the possibility of any country imposing a veto, a point Hungary’s Orbán sought initially, as reported by the Financial Times.

The proposal found agreement today during a meeting of EU ambassadors. The Hungarian representative insisted on the necessity of fully meeting Budapest’s demands. While other ambassadors expressed reluctance towards accepting a veto, they remained open to the proposed compromise, concentrating on reaching an agreement satisfactory for all 27 member states.

“There is a noticeable level of tension. Once in the summit room, we will gauge Orbán’s flexibility,” remarked a participant in the negotiations. “As of today, we have not secured this agreement,” stated a second EU diplomat. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Hungarian Prime Minister, Balázs Orbán, conveyed on national TV, “Negotiations are ongoing.”