EU Isolates Hungary as Leaders Unite to Back Ukraine Amid Orbán's Opposition
March 20, 2025
During the recent EU summit in Brussels, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán found himself increasingly isolated as other member nations rallied to support Ukraine's territorial integrity.
While all other EU leaders publicly backed Ukraine, Orbán's government has consistently delayed EU aid packages and sanctions related to the ongoing war, reflecting a growing divergence from EU consensus.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the summit via video, urging leaders to approve a €5 billion package for artillery ammunition and condemning Orbán's obstruction as "anti-European."
The consensus among EU leaders underscores a strong commitment to uphold Ukraine's sovereignty amid the ongoing conflict.
However, future U.S. support for Ukraine remains uncertain, particularly in light of tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy, which complicate the situation further.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the necessity of continued support for Ukraine, stating that the EU is far from discussing peace negotiations and highlighting the importance of U.S. backing.
Sweden's European Affairs Minister reinforced that Ukraine's EU membership is crucial for enhancing the continent's security, despite the lengthy accession process.
In response to diminishing U.S. support, the EU Commission proposed a new financing instrument worth €150 billion to boost national defense investments among member states.
Despite Hungary's ability to block joint statements, it cannot prevent significant EU defense loans or military budget increases that would ultimately benefit Ukraine.
The EU is exploring workarounds to circumvent Hungary's veto power on Ukraine-related matters, indicating a shift towards greater unity among the remaining member states.
The summit concluded efficiently in one day, with a strong focus on economic issues, as noted by Antonio Costa, the spokesperson for the heads of state and government.
Additionally, the summit endorsed the 'ReArm Europe' initiative, which advocates for a significant military buildup among EU member states over the next five years.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

Investing.com • Mar 20, 2025
EU leaders back Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Hungary abstains