The European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine without the signatures of Hungary and Slovakia
On March 19, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, which were endorsed by 25 EU leaders. Hungary and Slovakia refused to sign them.
Prime Ministers Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico did not support the document, despite the fact that it mentions the decision to grant Ukraine a €90 billion loan for 2026–2027.
In its conclusions, the European Council welcomed the approval of this loan and expects Ukraine to receive the first tranche as early as the beginning of April. The EU also called for intensified cooperation with third countries to cover the €30 billion funding gap.
In addition, EU leaders expect the 20th package of sanctions against Russia to be adopted as soon as possible and emphasize the need to further restrict revenues from energy resources and the banking system of the aggressor country.
The document also addresses the need to combat Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which poses environmental and security risks, as well as the need to strengthen coordination of sanctions with G7 countries and other partners.
The European Council emphasized the importance of continuing military support for Ukraine, particularly the supply of air defense systems, ammunition, and missiles.
EU leaders also condemned the participation of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine and the support provided to Russia by Iran and Belarus.
Separately, the European Union called on Russia and Belarus to immediately return all illegally deported Ukrainian children and civilians.
The European Union could begin providing funds to Ukraine as part of a €90 billion loan as early as the beginning of April, but the process is still being held up by Hungary’s position.
Ukraine has sufficient budgetary resources to continue financing government expenditures and defense at least until early May. At the same time, the European Union has additional time to resolve the issue of Hungary’s veto on the allocation of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine.
As a reminder, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Europe can use the €90 billion in financial aid for Ukraine without additional approval from Hungary, since this decision has already been supported by all countries, including Budapest.
