FT: Brussels explores workaround amid Hungary’s block on Ukraine aid

The European Commission is examining a legal mechanism to sidestep Hungary’s veto on a proposed €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine, Financial Times reports.

Brussels was currently considering a possible workaround and that, according to three sources familiar with the process, the Commission’s legal services were examining whether there was a basis to provide the loan without Hungary’s participation.

The sources noted that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had previously agreed to the loan only among 24 EU member states under the framework of an “enhanced cooperation” agreement. Under this arrangement, member states that did not sign the agreement “should not obstruct its implementation by participating member states,” effectively opening a potential path for the Commission to proceed despite Budapest’s objections.

The €90 billion loan is intended to support Ukraine’s post-conflict reconstruction and economic stability, but Hungary’s veto has delayed formal approval, prompting Brussels to explore alternative legal and procedural avenues to advance the funding.

By Vafa Guliyeva