The European Union overcame resistance from Hungary to unanimously agreed Thursday on a 50-billion euros ($54 billion) support package deal for Ukraine.
“We have a deal. Unity,” stated European Council President Charles Michel in a publish on X. “All 27 leaders agreed on an additional 50 billion euro support package for Ukraine within the EU budget.”
“This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine. EU is taking leadership and responsibility in support for Ukraine; we know what is at stake.”
The settlement comes after weeks of wrangling with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban who vetoed the help package deal final December.
Before the summit began, EU leaders piled stress on Hungary to elevate its block, telling Orban he needed to choose sides within the existential problem posed by Russia’s warfare.
Leaders of Germany, Poland, Belgium and Finland have been amongst others arriving at an EU summit in Brussels to say it was essential the 27-nation bloc agreed as one to supply support to Kyiv from their joint price range by way of 2027.
Orban, who has cultivated shut ties with Moscow, has stepped up criticism of the EU’s technique to prop up Ukraine with monetary and navy support as Russia’s warfare towards its neighbour nears the two-year mark.
On Thursday, Orban didn’t communicate to journalists on arriving on the summit to determine on EU technique on the most important battle in Europe since World War II.
Instead, he posted footage of himself on social media strolling round tractors forward of a farmers’ protest in Brussels on Thursday.
He stated he’d had what he termed “a casual morning conversation” with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the highest EU officers forward of closed-door talks.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made clear what the expectation of the opposite 26 EU nations was Thursday.
“I am deeply convinced that an agreement is possible if Europe sees itself as a community in which all stand in solidarity,” he stated. “Now is the time to reach a decision. I will work very hard to come to an agreement of all 27.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk agreed: “As a community, we cannot give up on this. Today is the moment when Prime Minister Orban needs to see time for his games is over. He has to consider if he is in, or out,” he advised reporters.
Source: www.dailysabah.com