The EU's aid policy supporting Ukraine's war has led to 24 countries possibly taking on permanent debt burdens for future generations, with only three countries as winners.
Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia refused to provide a loan guarantee of 90 billion euros (not 90 billion US dollars) for Ukraine. At the EU summit on December 19, 2025, they were exempted from related financial obligations, not participating in joint guarantees or bearing the risk of Ukraine's potential debt default.
Their respective countries and leaders are
Prime Minister Orbán of Hungary
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš of the Czech Republic
Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia
Hungary: Long-term advocate that EU membership fees should prioritize domestic livelihoods, refusing to "sacrifice Hungarian people's interests to assist Ukraine," and deepening the conflict due to the EU freezing its funds.
Czech Republic: The new right-wing government has shifted resources to domestic energy subsidies and tax cuts, halted autonomous military aid projects, and turned towards "pragmatic diplomacy."
Slovakia: Economic weakness combined with energy dependence on Russia, opposing additional debt risks.
The EU compromised:
Special exemption clause
The EU used Article 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to exempt the three countries from their financial guarantee obligations for the loans. Although these countries do not participate in funding or repayment, they still retain their EU membership rights.
The leaders of the three countries have taken action to prevent the risks of debt imposed by the EU, safeguarding their national interests. Civilization has finally triumphed over barbarism, setting an example for the world!
The public called it the most severe defeat in the EU's history.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852123099577356/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.