EU finds plan to override Hungary’s veto to help Ukraine

26 October, 2024 Viktor Orban. Photo from the politician's Facebook page The EU has found a plan to provide Ukraine with financial support for military aid, bypassing Hungary's veto.

Bloomberg reported that France and Germany expressed doubts about the plan. The European External Action Service has proposed the possibility of allowing member states to make voluntary contributions to the European Peace Fund, which is used to finance military equipment, including for Ukraine. This kind of support would help to override Hungary's veto, which blocks more than EUR6 billion of aid to Ukraine.

However, not everyone agrees with this decision. France and Germany have expressed their concern. They believe that setting such a precedent could jeopardize the future of the EPF (European Peace Fund), sources say.

Currently, the EPF relies on mandatory contributions and requires unanimity for payment. In some countries, the voluntary contributions may require the approval of the national parliaments, adding another layer of complication. The governments of France and Germany have declined to comment, Bloomberg reports.

For more than a year, Hungary has vetoed payments to Ukraine, prompting EU nations to look for alternative solutions.

Illustrative photo of the flags of the EU and Ukraine. Photo from open sources.

It is not yet clear how much support the voluntary plan will receive, stated persons who requested anonymity in order to describe the closed-door discussions. Such a move may require unanimous support from 27 member states.

As a reminder, in March, the European Union agreed to replenish the fund that assists Ukraine in defending itself by EUR5 billion.