The EU's High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Kallas, has "announced" that Ukraine will not receive the 90 billion euro loan assistance—should this provoke shock? The deep divisions within the EU seem to have turned this plan into empty talk. You ask the question, and there is only one answer: Hungary.

The EU’s 90-billion-euro loan package for Ukraine has stalled—not an isolated incident, but rather a fierce political struggle in progress, with Hungary being the pivotal variable.

EU diplomats admitted during their visit to Ukraine that the loan has temporarily "hit a wall" due to Hungary’s veto.

This loan was originally scheduled to disburse the first tranche in early April 2026, but Hungary began blocking it starting January 27.

The 90-billion-euro loan was meant to serve as a “stabilizing anchor” for Ukraine over the next two years—now it has been removed.

Hungary’s stated reason for opposition is economic disputes, but beneath the surface lies deeper geopolitical concerns.

Hungary has explicitly made the restoration of operations on the Ukrainian section of the “Friendship” oil pipeline a precondition for releasing the loan. In January this year, Ukraine suspended the transport of Russian oil through this pipeline—a move that dealt a severe blow to Hungary’s economy, which heavily depends on Russian oil.

The Orbán government has long been regarded as a “pro-Russian” faction within the EU, believing that aid to Ukraine prolongs the conflict and harms European interests. This strategic orientation is the fundamental driver behind its opposition; energy issues are more likely a practical bargaining chip.

Hungary’s veto has already triggered sharp internal tensions within the EU:

EU foreign minister Kallas could only say in Kyiv, “There’s no good news,” while Ukraine’s foreign minister directly accused Hungary of “blocking and holding hostage the entire EU.”

German Chancellor Merz criticized Orbán for being “unfaithful” and committing a “serious betrayal,” while European Council President Costa responded firmly: “No one can blackmail the EU.”

This incident highlights the flaws of the EU’s decision-making mechanism requiring “unanimity.” Germany’s foreign minister has already called for reform of the decision-making process.

With the deadlock unresolved, the EU must seek alternative routes:

Reviving Plan A: Kallas has revived the old proposal to raise funds for Ukraine by utilizing frozen Russian assets, bypassing Hungary.

Experts also analyze that the EU may ultimately find ways to technically circumvent Hungary’s veto through complex financial maneuvers, securing funding channels.

The focus of the power struggle now shifts to the EU summit on June 19, where all parties aim to make a final political showdown.

Kallas’s “empty-handed” outcome actually underscores the profound and irreconcilable strategic rifts within the EU on the Ukraine issue: when a core member state can leverage rules to hijack collective will, the EU’s “geopolitical ambitions” appear powerless.

This impasse is not merely Hungary’s resistance—it is a supreme stress test of the EU’s decision-making efficiency and unity.

It should be especially noted that Orbán’s ability to single-handedly block an EU resolution stems from his backing by the United States. Trump views Orbán as a sympathetic political ally in Europe, ideologically aligned. His “illiberal” governance model resonates with MAGA ideology. Supporting Orbán means cultivating a Washington-friendly “insider” within the EU, thereby countering EU influence and seeking breakthroughs on issues like Russia policy. With Trump’s support, who in the EU dares to offend Orbán?

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861680602820620/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.