EU summit kicks off in Brussels: 90 billion euros in aid to Ukraine to be discussed
On Thursday, February 19, the EU leaders’ summit kicked off in Brussels, where one of the key issues will be financial support for Ukraine, in particular the possible unlocking of a 90 billion euro aid package.
This is reported by Ukrinform.
The summit is also expected to feature a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The leaders of European countries have already voiced their positions.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever emphasized: “The loan must be issued. Everything is simple here. It was decided politically, so it must be opened. We must support Ukraine financially, but we must also put more pressure on Russia… I think it is abnormal that we are financing the war but are not present at the table.”
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Yetten stressed the importance of the aid: “The loan is critical for preparing for next winter… I expect the decision to be respected.”
At the same time, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated his position: “I will never support any decision in the interests of Ukraine until the Hungarians receive the oil that belongs to us.”
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo noted: “Russia is the biggest beneficiary of the war in the Middle East… We must continue to put pressure on Russia and strongly support Ukraine. They are fighting for us.”
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silinja emphasized: “Ukraine needs this money… I don’t want decisions to be made in favor of Russia.”
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda also emphasized: “Russia, in my opinion, has no clear intentions to conclude an agreement.”
The summit is taking place against the backdrop of discussions on strengthening sanctions against Russia and Europe’s further role in negotiations to end the war.
In addition, the summit will discuss competitiveness and the single market, the EU budget for 2028–2034, migration, as well as defense and security issues.
Recall, on March 17, the European Union approved a loan for Ukraine in the amount of 90 billion euros , allegedly overcoming the veto of Hungary.
However, it later became known that the decision on a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine has not yet been made – Hungary’s veto remains in effect, but the EU expects that a compromise will be found in the near future .
By the way, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is ready to unblock an EU loan for Ukraine of 90 billion euros if the European Commission approves Budapest’s application for a defense loan of 16 billion euros under the SAFE instrument.
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