Slovakian PM Backs Hungary's Veto on EU Aid to Ukraine

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lovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed his support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s veto on a €50 billion European Union financial aid package for Ukraine. During a joint press conference in Budapest, Fico criticized Brussels for attempting to “punish” Hungary over its stance on funds for Ukraine.

Fico firmly stated that as long as he leads the Slovak government, he will not agree to a country being punished for defending its sovereignty.

Orbán, who has been in a standoff with other EU leaders, including a clash at the December European Council summit, argued against allocating funds from the EU budget for Ukraine.

He proposed a separate budget for aid to Ukraine to prevent any negative impact on the EU budget. Orbán reiterated that he does not want to jointly take up a loan and stressed the importance of aiding Ukraine in a way that does not harm the EU’s budget.

50 billion financial support plan

The €50 billion financial support plan for Ukraine, requiring unanimity, faced opposition from Hungary due to concerns about corruption in Ukraine, the effectiveness of Western support in the conflict, and the principle of EU budget support for member countries. Despite pressure from other EU leaders, Orbán remained steadfast in his position.

The EU leaders are set to discuss the issue at a summit on February 1, and Brussels is exploring ways to overcome Orbán’s veto. Last week, 120 Members of the European Parliament signed a petition urging actions to limit Hungary’s voting rights.

However, Fico supported Orbán’s proposal to find alternative sources for aid to Ukraine and criticized the EU for attempting to curtail Hungary’s voting rights. The upcoming summit will likely play a crucial role in shaping the EU’s approach to financial support for Ukraine and its long-term budget revisions.

EU budget

“If we aim to provide assistance to Ukraine, a necessity that I strongly advocate, we must ensure it doesn’t adversely impact the EU budget,” stated Orbán on Tuesday.

EU leaders are scheduled for another meeting on Feb. 1 to negotiate a deal on the financial package, with Orbán’s influential veto power remaining a significant factor.

Fico, expressing his support for Orbán’s stance, endorsed the idea of splitting the funding into four installments, subject to annual reassessment and potential blocking.

“I eagerly anticipate our gathering on Feb. 1 in Brussels, where we will observe and fully understand your rightful advocacy, as initiated during the last European Council meeting,” Fico conveyed to Orbán.

Sources: Anadolu, Politico, and Reuters