The Hungarian government is threatening to block EU aid to Ukraine and has now given Brussels an ultimatum: it will only withdraw the veto if billions are released to Hungary in return. Several faction leaders of the EU parliament warn against allowing themselves to be blackmailed.
The EU summit, which starts on Thursday, should agree on a comprehensive package that includes financial support for Ukraine on the one hand and the opening of accession negotiations with Kiev on the other.
Hungary demands “ransom”
According to Balazs Orban, political director of right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban (no relation), Hungary is prepared to withdraw its veto on financial aid to Ukraine. In return, Brussels should release the 30 billion euros in frozen EU funds owed to Hungary, Hungarian media report, citing Bloomberg news agency. Hungary demands a “ransom”, “Politico” responded to Orbán’s statements.
According to the magazine, the European Commission is also prepared to initially release ten billion euros for Hungary, citing EU officials. This brings on the scene the heads of several political groups in the European Parliament, who warn of “blackmail”. MEPs from the European People’s Party, Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals have signed a letter expressing their concerns about the measure.
The requirements of the rule of law are met
The billions for Hungary were frozen because the country is doing too little to combat corruption. Moreover, far-reaching judicial reforms are first needed in the state that Orbán has ruled since 2010. For example, shortcomings in the independence of the judiciary must be addressed. According to statements by EU officials, Budapest meets the requirements of the rule of law. Moreover, the release of the money is not related to Orbán’s threat, Politico was told. Now the Hungarian government has linked the payment of the billions to the lifting of its veto.
In their letter, the EU parliamentarians contradict the claim that the constitutional situation in Hungary has improved. The country has not fulfilled its obligations. The Social Democratic leader in the EU Parliament, Iratxe Garcia Perez, explained: “If Viktor Orban achieves what he wants, he will continue to blackmail.” EPP leader Manfred Weber even described the Hungarian Prime Minister as ‘Politico’ as a ‘traitor’. “.
Orban: Ukraine’s accession to the EU ‘ridiculous’
The news portal recalled that Ukraine’s EU membership still represents a “red line” for the Hungarian government, which would only recommend a strategic partnership to Kiev. Orban reiterated that Ukraine’s accession to the EU was rejected in the parliamentary debate in Budapest on Wednesday (see also the video above). ) and described it as absurd, ridiculous, questionable and an undisguised advantage.
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.
