How long will Ukraine need financial support? Long, European Union officials say. But there is resistance among neutral member states like Austria – and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán again caused a stir.
EU heads of state and government are gearing up for long-term support to Ukraine. According to Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, long-term security commitments will be formulated and decided at the EU summit in Brussels. Borrell sees Russian President Vladimir Putin weakened by the Wagner Group insurgency, “but a weak Putin is an even greater danger”.
“Ukraine must remain our first priority,” EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola stressed after her meeting with EU heads of state or government. The internal events in Russia would have an impact on the security of Europe. But: “Ukraine strikes back. Putin is getting weaker.”
resistance of the neutrals
Resistance arose among the neutrals in the EU. Austria, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus have included a passage in the draft of the summit emphasizing “full respect for the security and defense policies of certain member states” – an indication of the status of the neutrals, according to circles of the EU Council.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer tweeted: “For us as neutral states, it is clear: we will not participate in security commitments for the long-term defense of Ukraine. At the EU summit, we will together ensure that the position of neutrals in the EU explicitly included.”
Orbán causes a stir
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán caused a sensation in Brussels with a video of about one and a half minutes on his Twitter account. “Everyone here in Brussels is wondering: where is the money?” he asked the camera, standing on a balcony, before today’s summit started. He referred to the EU’s demand for a budget increase of around €66 billion for the years 2024 to 2027, which was necessary due to the war and high inflation.
A situation had developed in which the EU was “on the brink of bankruptcy”. EUR 50 billion is needed for Ukraine, money is needed for interest on loans, of which Hungary and Poland have not yet seen a penny. That is in any case “frivolous”, according to Orbán.
Is Ukraine coming to the EU?
The admission of Ukraine to the EU was also under discussion in Brussels. According to President Metsola of the EU Parliament, Zelenskyj and co. “on the right track”. “If Ukraine implements the reforms we demand, we too must do our part,” she demanded.
She is optimistic that negotiations can start at the end of this year. A strategy is needed to support Ukraine in its struggle for independence and stability, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said upon his arrival. “We have to take into account that it can take a long time.”
Stoltenberg stressed that the door is open for Ukraine to join NATO. “We also agree that Ukraine will join the military alliance,” Stoltenberg said ahead of the summit. However, at the moment it is important and urgent to support Ukraine “to ensure that Ukraine remains an independent, sovereign state in Europe”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
