EU officials explore alternatives to Hungary’s veto on Ukraine funding

European Union officials are deliberating strategies to bypass Hungary’s veto on funding for Ukraine, as frustrations mount over Budapest’s obstruction of more than €6 billion (£5.2 billion) in aid. 

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the EU’s diplomatic arm, the External Action Service, is contemplating a proposal that would enable member states to make voluntary contributions to the European Peace Facility (EPF), Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

This approach would allow future funds to be allocated based on the consent of contributing nations, rather than requiring unanimous agreement.

Hungary has exercised its vote to block disbursements for over a year, prompting member states to explore alternative solutions. The level of support for this proposed plan remains uncertain, particularly since many critical decisions within the bloc are still subject to unanimous approval. EU ambassadors are scheduled to convene on October 8 to discuss the details further.

The situation is further complicated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s growing opposition to EU initiatives aimed at assisting Ukraine in its war effort, now in its second and a half year since the Russian invasion.

Following a diplomatic visit to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin in July, Orbán faced stern criticism from EU leaders, who made it clear that they do not endorse his independent diplomatic initiatives.

"The European Commission has decided not to send top officials to several meetings in Hungary," stated a commission representative, highlighting the ongoing tension as Hungary assumes the EU's six-month rotating presidency.

Discussions among diplomats regarding how to protect aid for Ukraine from potential vetoes have intensified, with seven aid packages amounting to €3.5 billion ($3.5 billion) already approved by the EPF since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, in addition to €2 billion ($2.2 billion) allocated for ammunition supplies.

By Aghakazim Guliyev