European Union leaders are facing a new showdown with Hungary as they seek to unblock a $54 billion financial aid package for Ukraine’s war-ravaged economy. A summit on February 1 aims to garner support for Ukraine, with 26 EU countries in favor of the aid package.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been obstructing the process, expressing dissatisfaction with the European Commission’s freezing of Hungary’s access to some EU funds due to concerns about democratic backsliding. Orban’s resistance has led to a veto on various EU statements and strained relations within NATO. The aid package, crucial for Ukraine’s economic recovery, requires unanimous approval, adding complexity to the ongoing political dispute.