Orban wrote a letter to the head of the European Council with demands for support for Ukraine
[ad_1]
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is threatening to block all European Union aid to Ukraine, as well as the country’s future accession to the European Union, if EU leaders do not agree to review their entire strategy of supporting Kyiv.
This is stated in the letter, which was read by Politico, “European Truth” reports.
In a letter addressed to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the Hungarian leader states that no decisions on financing Ukraine, the opening of EU accession talks or further sanctions against Russia can be taken until this “strategic discussion” takes place, when the leaders will meet in Brussels in mid-December.
“The European Council should take stock of the implementation and effectiveness of our current policy towards Ukraine, including various aid programs,” Orbán writes in the undated letter, which bears the seal of his office.
He also questions why Europe should continue to support Ukraine at a time when the United States, which has provided the bulk of military aid to Kyiv, may be unable to continue funding because of a political deadlock over future support.
“The European Council should hold a frank and open discussion about the realism of the EU’s strategic goals in Ukraine,” the letter states.
“Do we still see these goals as realistically achievable? Is this strategy sustainable without strong support from the United States? Can we take continued support from the United States for granted? How do we envision Europe’s post-war security architecture?” Orban writes.
The letter added that “the European Council is unable to take key decisions on proposed security guarantees or additional financial support to Ukraine, approve further strengthening of the EU sanctions regime, or agree on the future of the enlargement process unless consensus is found on our future strategy for Ukraine.”
According to one of the EU diplomats, who wished to remain anonymous, Orbán “mined” the entire EU decision-making process regarding Ukraine as part of a strategy to increase pressure on the European Commission in order to allocate 13 billion euros to Hungary.
The diplomat also noted that while in other cases Budapest abstained during key votes and allowed the EU to impose sanctions on Russia, this time “I don’t see that happening.”
“For Hungary, this is not a question of neutrality. It is about levers of influence,” the diplomat said.
As Hungary escalates tensions and threatens to disrupt the December summit of EU leaders, some countries are already considering ways to work around Budapest and keep aid flowing to Kyiv.
We will remind, Viktor Orban repeated at the congress of his party “Fidesz” on Saturday that considers it a mistake to open negotiations about the accession of Ukraine to the European Union, while it is “not ready” for this.
The Hungarian government also announced “consultations” with the population, which will be the main issue support for Ukraine’s membership in the EU.
Also read the article The limit of Orban’s concessions. How Kyiv and Brussels are preparing for a blockade of EU accession negotiations.
European truth
[ad_2]
Original Source Link
