Hungarian Viktor Orbán, the EU's most divisive partner, has given in again. The Twenty-Seven gave the green light this Thursday in Brussels to grant Ukraine a financial lifeline of 50 billion euros for four years as part of a broader package of the Multiannual Financial Framework. The aim is to ensure that Ukraine stays afloat and can resist Russian aggression. The ultra-conservative Orbán has lifted the veto on the package, which he had blocked in December. In return, the EU has given Budapest two small concessions: that the aid will be debated every year, but without the possibility of vetoing it, and that the European Council will have the opportunity to call for a review of this support in two years, according to the Draft conclusions to be discussed by the Heads of State and Government to which EL PAÍS had access. A purely symbolic emergency brake, but one that satisfied the Hungarians.
The EU agreement comes at a time when Ukraine is in an extremely delicate situation on the ground due to a shortage of ammunition, the war is almost two years old and Russia's large-scale attacks on cities with missiles have increased. “The [paquete] ensures solid, predictable and long-term financing for Ukraine,” said European Council President Charles Michel on social networks. “The EU takes leadership and responsibility in its support to Ukraine; “We know what is at stake,” he added. “A good day for Europe,” opened the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. For Ukraine, receiving aid is crucial. If not, it could be forced to leave tens of thousands of civil servants without pay and cut benefits for thousands of people.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly expressed his gratitude and satisfaction for the agreement on social media, calling it an “important decision” that “once again demonstrates the strong unity of the EU.” The president added that the “continued” support “will strengthen long-term economic and financial stability in Ukraine.” “It is no less important than military aid and the pressure of sanctions on Russia,” he emphasized.
The pressure on Orbán, who is lonelier than ever with his policy of blackmailing the EU, was enormous. “We do not have the so-called 'fatigue about Ukraine', there is fatigue about Viktor Orbán in Brussels,” summarized Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk this Thursday, referring to the atmosphere of a crucial summit for the unity of the community club. Tusk came from Poland, a country that until the end of last year, along with Hungary and its prime minister, belonged to the EU's select club of stubborn populist partners.
This was evident at the meeting before the summit this Thursday morning, at which Michel, Von der Leyen and the French head of state Emmanuel Macron; Germany, Olaf Scholz, and Italy, Giorgia Meloni, cornered Orbán, who eventually overturned his veto. It was 26 member states against one. After a month and a half of talks with the Hungarians, an agreement was reached to release the review of the multiannual financial framework, which, in addition to this lifeline for Ukraine (33,000 million in loans and 17,000 in subsidies), includes new funds for Ukraine common funds to manage migration flows, European competitiveness programs and response to natural disasters.
Doubts in the USA
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The 50 billion euro European financial lifeline, proposed by the European Commission in June as one of the EU's new spending priorities, has taken on even greater importance for the beleaguered country as US aid stalls. Washington has blocked a package of around 55 billion euros due to its internal struggles (mainly due to the reluctance of Republicans), in a context where there is the possibility of a return to the White House of Donald Trump, who has criticized the formula he used Democrat Joe Biden supports Kiev. The EU can continue with its support for Ukraine, a country that is already an EU candidate country, and given the threat that Russia poses to the stability of Europe and which is more clearly perceived by Eastern partners, such as Russia. B. Russia, Poland or the Baltics are left alone. Hence the seriousness of Orbán's position, which for some leaders has threatened the unity of the community club on a key issue.
“Supporting Ukraine is very important not only for Ukraine, but also for Europe,” noted Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina upon her arrival at the meeting in Brussels. Russia is “the biggest threat to European security,” emphasized the High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Josep Borrell. “We must support Ukraine because if not, the price will be very high,” added the head of European diplomacy, who, in addition to the 50 billion at stake, called for an increase in military support for Kiev this Thursday demanded.
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