The European Commission has decided to make concessions to Hungary on specific issues to unlock €50 billion in aid for Ukraine.
EU will do everything possible to override Hungary's veto on Ukraine
The Financial Times has learned this from its insiders in the bloc.
As it turned out, to convince Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to unblock large-scale aid for Ukraine, the European Commission is ready to give Budapest the right to assess in 2025 whether Ukraine still needs money and has fulfilled the requirements for receiving EU assistance.
According to journalists, this de facto means that Putin's henchman will be able to veto funds for Ukraine in 2025.
The European Commission is also not against annual aid reviews and the addition of an "emergency brake" clause, according to which any country can raise serious concerns about payments to Ukraine for discussion at a summit of EU leaders. However, this will not give Hungary an additional veto power.
EU concessions to Hungary may not have the desired effect
The journalists asked their insiders whether Brussels' steps would make Orban lift his veto.
I don't know yet. I'm not sure yet, but most likely yes," said a Hungarian official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In addition, it is noted that as of today, official Budapest is ready for negotiations.
According to the EU authorities, fulfilling Orban's demand is better than alternative arrangements requiring more complex mechanisms to bypass Budapest.
These include, in particular, extending the existing loan for one year, raising joint debt backed by national guarantees, or creating a special financial mechanism to pay grants.
What is also important to understand is that Ukraine expects to receive the aid in March at the latest, given the situation at the frontline.
