Hungary blocks $55 billion E.U. aid package for Ukraine

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said he has vetoed the E.U.’s decision to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros (about $55 billion) of financial aid. “We will come back to the issue next year in the [European Council] after proper preparation.” He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

European Council President Charles Michel confirmed that E.U. leaders were unable to agree on an aid package for Ukraine in the E.U. budget plan. According to him, only one country opposed it. Michel did not specify which country, but he added that the E.U. would revisit the issue at the beginning of next year.

BBC News reports that Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed confidence that E.U. leaders will be able to agree on long-term aid for Ukraine next year. “We still have some time, Ukraine is not out of money in the next few weeks,” Rutte said.

Orbán has repeatedly opposed the European Council’s decision to start accession talks with Ukraine. However, he left the meeting during the vote, enabling other E.U. leaders to make the decision, which must be unanimous.