EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy: EU Expected to Make 'Positive Decision' on 90 Billion Euro Loan to Ukraine Imminently

EU High Representative Kallas said on Tuesday, April 21, that a "positive decision" on the EU's pledged 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine is expected imminently, a move previously stalled due to Hungary’s opposition.

With shifting domestic political dynamics in Hungary—where the pro-European conservative party led by Prime Minister Tisza won the parliamentary election on April 12, ending Prime Minister Orban’s 16-year tenure of anti-EU, pro-Russian leadership—the expectation within the EU for breaking the deadlock has risen significantly.

Speaking ahead of the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg, Kallas stated: "We expect to make a positive decision on this 90 billion euro loan. Ukraine truly needs this funding, and it is crucial." A vote on the issue will take place during Wednesday’s EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

German Foreign Minister Baerbock said the loan "can no longer wait—it must be implemented as soon as possible."

EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs Dombrovskis told reporters: "As long as Prime Minister Orban remains in office, changes could still occur. Given previous delays, I’m reluctant to be overly optimistic before seeing final implementation." He expressed hope that the approval could be completed as early as this week, adding, "Otherwise, we’ll have to wait until the new Hungarian prime minister takes office."

On Sunday, still not having handed over power, Orban posted on X platform that he would only consider lifting his veto if the pipeline transporting Russian oil through Ukrainian territory were restored. The pipeline was damaged in a Russian air strike in January. Hungarian officials suggested Ukraine might resume operations by Tuesday noon, potentially prompting Hungary to withdraw its veto—but Kyiv has yet to confirm this.

EU Commissioner Dombrovskis said that once the procedures are finalized, the first disbursement could occur by late May or early June. Ukraine has stated it can wait until that time point.

The loan will be disbursed in two tranches over two years, supporting Kyiv’s fiscal expenditures and defense needs from 2026 to 2027. The EU plans to allocate about half the funds (45 billion euros) this year, with the remainder to be delivered in 2027.

According to reports, as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year, Ukraine continues to face fiscal deficits, with external financing needs ranging between $45 billion and $52 billion. As the main supporter, this EU loan will cover approximately two-thirds of Ukraine’s financing requirements for this year and next. The remaining portion is expected to come from other supporting countries such as the UK, Japan, Canada, and Norway.

Additionally, the disbursement of the loan will be linked to Ukraine’s continued progress in reforms. Currently, Ukraine is adjusting its legislation to meet EU standards, aiming toward potential future EU membership.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863100603108352/

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