European leaders are no longer relying on Hungary to go along with key policy positions on Ukraine. But that doesn’t mean Budapest can’t still cause problems.
Presidents and prime ministers from across the bloc met in Brussels on Thursday to sign off a raft of new commitments, from economic competitiveness to financial markets.
But by far the thorniest issue, as always, is delivering support to Ukraine — with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán consistently opposing any efforts to step up military aid or progress the country’s application to become a European Union member.
Rules that normally require all 27 EU countries to agree on a joint statement for it to be issued on behalf of the European Council were firmly in the crosshairs two weeks ago, when he attempted to derail proposals for Europe to fill the gap left by an American aid cutoff for Kyiv.
Then though, a text agreed by the remaining 26 countries was appended to the other resolutions, which were unanimously agreed. And while Hungary opted out, it was still issued as a formal European Council conclusion. That tactic seems to be working and diplomats told POLITICO they intend to use it again.
“The statement on Ukraine today will be issued as an annex on behalf of the 26,” said one senior EU diplomat, granted anonymity to discuss Thursday’s closed-door talks. “This is the new normal. And it is useful when it comes to political intent. Maybe down the line though we will encounter other problems.”
Meanwhile, a top EU official added, Hungary’s objections are being priced in — and quickly ignored.
“After March 6, no one has any doubts that there is divergence with one member state. The objective should always be to have conclusions at 27 — if it’s not possible, if the strategic division is maintained, and we have all the indications that it is maintained, that we would move forward at 26,” the official said.
European leaders scored a major win at the last European Council earlier this month when they secured the support of Slovakia’s Robert Fico, splitting him off from joining forces with Hungary.
Ultimately though, tough wording threatening additional sanctions on Russian energy and trade goods might mean little, given actually implementing it at an EU level still does require unanimity — and Hungary has time and time again blocked proposals to tighten the remaining loopholes.
“Orbán chose isolation and a path of illiberal democracy against the obvious interest of the EU and, in fact, Hungary. He was given many opportunities and rejected extended hands,” said a second diplomat. “The security of Europe is too serious of an issue to negotiate with one person who sees things 180 degrees differently than everyone else.”
“If he thinks he can do it better, by going alone, I don’t think many would try to stop him.”
A draft of the Ukraine statement, seen by POLITICO, reaffirms the EU’s “continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.”
“The European Union maintains its ‘peace through strength’ approach, which requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position, with its own robust military and defence capabilities as an essential component,” it said.
Meanwhile, a third senior European diplomat said that while the bloc welcomes President Donald Trump’s efforts to try and end the war, it was not expecting to change its stance any time soon.
“There are U.S.-Russia talks and U.S.-Ukraine talks, but these are not seen as a peace negotiation,” another senior EU official told POLITICO. However, the official added, “the EU welcomes U.S. efforts” to try and cement a ceasefire, but will continue to provide material support to Ukraine regardless.
Europe’s new unanimity: Orbán doesn’t need to agree
Source: Viral Showbiz Pinay
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