Hungary announces blockade on EU aid to Ukraine and membership talks
- In Reports
- 11:10 AM, Dec 01, 2023
- Myind Staff
A top Hungarian minister declared Hungary's intent to oppose any European Union proposal seeking to integrate Ukraine into the European Union. In a press briefing, Gergely Gulyas, Chief of Staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, expressed that the initiation of talks to formally admit Ukraine, which has been affected by war, into the European Union was deemed "premature."
"We are handling a proposal that is entirely premature," remarked Gulyas, emphasizing that Hungary "cannot contribute to a common decision" regarding inviting Ukraine to initiate the joining process with the bloc.
The declaration precedes a significant EU meeting scheduled for mid-December, during which top leaders are anticipated to deliberate on the future of Ukraine. Earlier in the week, Budapest issued a warning, indicating a potential obstruction of $50 billion in European aid earmarked for Ukraine. Prime Minister Orban's party intensified its criticism of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, launching scathing attacks in response to the aid-related tensions.
"Let's not dance to their tunes," proclaimed posters displayed by the Fidesz party, featuring Ursula alongside Alex Soros, the son of the liberal Hungarian-born financier George Soros. Orban told supporters, “We must say no because it is unsustainable because it has no future. I am convinced that today, in Brussels, Europe is being destroyed and led to its ruins.”
In the initial days of November, Prime Minister Orban asserted that Ukraine was significantly distant, akin to "light years," from becoming a part of the EU bloc. The EU's executive branch urged Ukraine to rectify governance issues and tackle concerns related to corruption, minority rights, and lobbying. Nevertheless, the primary obstacle for the EU lies in attaining unanimous agreement among its member states. Hungary has not only issued a threat to impede the EU's initiatives to assist Ukraine but has also raised queries about the bloc's sanctions against Russia.
In the midst of these developments, Hungary finds itself in a dispute with the EU regarding the withholding of its funds. Gergely Gulyas, in a statement, conveyed Hungary's stance on not supporting proposed amendments to the EU's budget. These amendments include a provision for 50 billion euros ($54.5 billion) in long-term aid to Kyiv.
Gulyas asserted that the EU's actions in withholding funds from Hungary were deemed "illegal." As a result, the Hungarian government announced its decision to abstain from endorsing any budget amendment put forth by the EU. This stance further adds to the complexities in the ongoing negotiations between Hungary and the European Union.
Image source: Bloomberg News
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