Hungarian veto lifted, EU's massive aid package to Ukraine set to go ahead
The decision in Brussels is of crucial importance for Ukraine, as it will allow the war-torn country to obtain significant quantities of arms. The agreement was announced in a post on the X (formerly Twitter) social platform. They also said that the European Union remains committed to supporting the Ukrainians and believes in Kyiv's victory.
The decision has been made at the cost of compromises, as they want priority to be given to weapons made in Europe.
In extreme cases, they would turn to third countries to replenish supplies, but the primary focus is on supporting the continent's defence industry. The decision has dragged on for weeks as France, Germany and Hungary have all expressed concerns about the draft. Berlin, for example, was annoyed that countries would donate old equipment to Ukraine and then charge the fund the full value of brand new replacement parts. Paris blocked the deal by insisting that only EU-made equipment should be reimbursed from the fund, thus boosting the EU's defence industry.
After months of diplomatic tug-of-war, we can finally give a much needed boost to military aid to Ukraine, with enough flexibility to send them what they need, when they need it,
an EU diplomat told Politico.
Through the European Peace Facility, the EU has been helping Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Negotiations are currently underway to create a €20 billion fund exclusively for the Eastern European country.
Hungary opposes similar packages for the war-torn country, but Budapest agreed to use constructive abstention and stay out of the final vote.
This move allowed the Ukraine Assistance Fund to be created. Despite that, Budapest is still blocking €500 million of EPF reimbursements.
Cover photo: Aimee Dilger/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
