The European Commission has approved the payment of €900 million in advance payments within the framework of the previously frozen fund to support the economy of Hungary. Thus, the EU is trying to convince Hungary to unblock the aid package to Ukraine.
“Reuters” writes about it.
Earlier, the European Commission excluded Hungary from the economic stimulus program to overcome the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic due to signs of corruption and Orbánʼs governmentʼs retreat from the principles of the rule of law.
In response, Hungary effectively vetoed the EUʼs decision to provide Ukraine with €50 billion in economic aid until 2027. Orban also threatens to block the start of negotiations with Ukraine on its accession to the European Union.
The Eurocouncil will now have four weeks to approve the European Commissionʼs assessment and allow Hungary to receive the funds.
- On November 8, the European Commission recommended starting negotiations with Ukraine on joining the EU. Now the commissionʼs conclusion must be approved by the member states when EU leaders meet on December 14-15 at the summit. If they officially give the green light to the negotiations, the blocʼs executive body will begin technical work on preparing the accession process.
- In December 2022, the EU froze Hungaryʼs €22 billion after deciding that it was not complying with rules on human rights and the rule of law.