Following months of obstruction by Hungary, European Union member states have agreed to release a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. Ambassadors from all 27 EU countries approved the necessary adjustment to the EU budget on Wednesday in Brussels, according to a spokesperson for the Cypriot EU Council Presidency. The decision must now be formally adopted by EU countries through a written procedure.
The Hungarian government, led by pro-Russian and EU-critical Prime Minister Viktor Orban, had been blocking the disbursement of the loan to Ukraine since December. Orban cited the dispute over the Druzhba pipeline running through Ukraine as the reason for the blockade. This pipeline normally carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. According to Ukrainian sources, the pipeline was damaged during a Russian attack in January, leading to a halt in deliveries.
Officials from Ukraine's energy sector announced on Wednesday that deliveries of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia had resumed. Shortly after this announcement, approval for the loan release came from Brussels.
According to EU diplomats, the deadline for written confirmation of the approval is 24 hours. The Cypriot Council Presidency stated that the written procedure is expected to be completed by Thursday afternoon.
The spokesperson also confirmed that ambassadors had approved the 20th sanctions package against Russia. Hungary had previously blocked this package as well. This decision also requires written confirmation.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
