Despite the declared unity of the EU countries, the decision to grant Ukraine loans of EUR 90 billion due to the fact that Viktor Orbán objected. Its position has depended on the resolution of the conflict concerning the halted transit of Russian oil by pipeline relationship across Ukraine, which is of large importance for the energy safety of Hungary and Slovakia.
Diplomatic information shows that the proposal for support has been supported by 25 of the 27 EU leaders, but the agreement of all associate States is essential to adopt it.
At the end of the EU summit, president of the European Council Antonio Costa reported at a press conference that EU leaders expressed criticism of Hungary's actions.
A deal is simply a deal. We gotta keep our word. And no 1 can blackmail the European Council – told Costa.
EU countries will pay interest
The EUR 90 billion debt to Ukraine is expected to cover about 2 thirds of the needs of the war-stricken country, which will require support from the second 4th of next year. The thought of utilizing frozen Russian assets has been abandoned, and alternatively leaders have set aside a joint debt that excludes the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
The funds obtained are to go to Ukraine, which will pay them back only after reparation from Russia. Until then, the assets of the Russian central bank will stay blocked and the Union allows them to be utilized for repayment. In addition, interest on the debt will not be charged to Ukraine – it will be covered by EU associate States.
Immigration
The summit besides addressed the situation in the mediate East and concerns that it could lead to increased migration to Europe. Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that the European Union is now far better prepared for possible migratory pressures than during the 2015 crisis. She stressed that so far there have been no increased migration movements towards Europe, but it is essential to be prepared for this possibility.
We have stronger external borders and stronger agencies. We have a solid legal framework – the Pact on Migration and Asylum. We have strengthened our partnerships with our neighbours in the region She said.
