The European Union is ready to avoid blocking aid to Ukraine if Hungary uses its veto. According to Reuters, the EU has a "plan B" that would allow it to provide 50 billion euros in aid to Ukraine, bypassing any veto by Hungary.
If Budapest decides to use its veto, the EU has a way around this situation. The fallback plan is for each other EU member state to create its own aid package for Ukraine.
One EU official said: "Hungary runs the risk of being out of luck. We would like to keep it on board, but there comes a point when people get tired of Budapest holding everyone hostage. The workaround is exhausting, but we have it if we need it."
The EU executive has already proposed an extension of budget support to help Ukraine pay for salaries and other expenses during the conflict. The package will be voted on by the 27 EU member states at a summit on December 14-15 in Brussels.
However, there are discussions that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban may block the aid. He has already touted his ties to Moscow and opposed such support in the past. Such payments from the EU budget require the unanimous support of all member states.
It is noted that Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said that any financial assistance to Ukraine should be separate from the EU budget, and a new strategy for Ukraine is needed, taking into account all financial decisions.
e-finance.com.ua