Orban will not resist, – political scientist on postponing the vote on aid for Ukraine

Hungary will not block the allocation of funds to Ukraine in the next vote/Collage Channel 24/Photo by Getty Images and EPA/UPG

EU approved the decision to begin negotiations with Ukraine on joining the European Community. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban left the hall during the vote and then vetoed the allocation of 50 billion euros for Ukraine.

A few hours later, Orban put forward a condition for lifting the veto – to pay all frozen funds for Hungary. Political scientist Igor Reiterovich told Channel 24, what Ukraine can expect from the next vote on the allocation of aid to our state.

Why Orban will not resist the next vote

This week the European Commission agreed to release 10 billion euros from the 30 billion frozen due to possible problems with the rule of law and bribery in Hungary following changes to the country's judicial system.

Victor Orbán noted when EU leaders will meet again in early 2024 to consider a €50 billion package for Ukraine, Hungary will first make sure that it will receive all its own funds.

I am convinced that the issue of allocating funds to Ukraine will be resolved positively in early January. Literally postponed for a few weeks. Orban at least a little needed to save face and come up with some kind of explanation for himself why the decision was voted on, the political scientist emphasized.

In his opinion, the situation with the allocation of financial assistance to Ukraine will be much easier than the decision to begin negotiations with Ukraine on accession to the EU was.

“Hungary's veto when deciding on the allocation of funds in January can be bypassed. Although “, I think that Orban will not resist much. He said such a key phrase that he needs to see a better and more reasonable proposal. He will probably receive it by the beginning of January; Hungary will also unlock the money and the process of allocating funds to Ukraine will move forward,” emphasized Igor Reiterovich.

Aid from the EU for Ukraine: what is known

• Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that after Hungary thwarted the European Union's agreement to allocate 50 billion euros from the EU budget to Ukraine, EU leaders decided to return to discussing this issue in January.
• Recently, the European Commission proposed increasing the overall EU budget by 66 billion euros to cover expenses for the next 4 years, part of which will go to financial support for Ukraine in the amount of 50 billion euros.
• October 3 The European Parliament supported the initiative, which provides for the creation of the Ukrainian Fund – a new financial instrument for Ukraine in the amount of up to 50 billion euros for the period from 2024 to 2027.
• Subsequently, Hungary proposed to EU members to divide the aid package for Ukraine into 50 billion euros and initially provide only half of the accepted amount.