The EU Council has approved the allocation of €1.4 billion for military aid to Ukraine, despite Hungary’s obstruction. The funds will be directed towards air defense, ammunition, and support for Ukrainian industry. Hungary remains the only EU member state blocking the provision of €6.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
EU’s Response to Hungary’s Obstruction Attempts
The EU Council has agreed on a legal framework to use profits from frozen Russian assets for military aid to Ukraine, despite Hungary’s blockade. The first tranche of €1.4 billion will be disbursed in July, with an additional €1 billion to follow by the end of the year.
This was stated by Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
EU to Provide Ukraine with €1.4 Billion
According to Borrell, these funds will be directed to the European Peace Facility.
“€1.4 billion will be available next month, and another €1 billion by the end of the year. The funds will be allocated to Ukraine for three purposes: air defense, ammunition, and support for Ukrainian industry,” said Borrell.
The EU’s chief diplomat noted that Hungary’s position on this matter is not significant, despite the importance of unanimity in decision-making. Borrell emphasized that “one EU member state did not participate in making this decision,” and therefore, it has no right to now debate how the funds will be spent.
The High Representative reminded that Putin continues to attack Ukraine, targeting its energy infrastructure.
“This weekend, Kharkiv was subjected to air attacks, resulting in numerous casualties and significant infrastructure damage,” Borrell added.
Hungary Still Blocking €6.5 Billion in Military Aid
Borrell also mentioned that one EU member state continues to block the allocation of military aid to Ukraine. This refers to Hungary, which opposes providing arms. Borrell conveyed this information during a press conference following the EU Council meeting.
“Unfortunately, we left the Council exactly as we entered: with 7 legal acts needed for the functioning of the European Peace Facility still blocked. We still have one country blocking this,” stressed Borrell.
It is worth noting that Budapest’s obstruction is preventing the transfer of €6.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The EU’s chief diplomat expressed hope that this issue would be discussed by the leaders during the European Council meeting this week.
