World • 1h ago
EU to push Ukraine loan ‘one way or the other’ – von der Leyen
**EU Leaders Remain Divided Over €90 Billion Loan to Ukraine**
The European Union remains deadlocked over a proposed €90 billion loan to Ukraine, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban continuing to block the emergency funding. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Friday that the EU will provide the loan "one way or the other," despite the ongoing impasse.
The loan, which would be the largest ever provided by the EU, has been stalled since Ukraine halted Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline in June 2023. This move affected key supply routes to Hungary and Slovakia, prompting Orban to accuse Kiev of deliberately halting supplies for political reasons. "If there is no oil, there is no money," Orban said, reiterating his stance that the loan should not be approved until the oil supplies resume.
EU officials have increased pressure on Orban to lift his veto, with EU Council President Antonio Costa condemning Budapest's "unacceptable" resistance during a meeting in Brussels. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also criticized Orban's decision, calling it an "act of serious disloyalty." However, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reportedly expressed understanding for Orban's position, describing it as "normal" during closed-door talks on Thursday.
According to diplomats from four countries, Meloni signaled her support for Orban's stance, saying that "things are changing" and that she would understand his position if she were in his shoes. However, the Italian government has denied these remarks, calling the attribution "completely unfounded."
The dispute has heightened tensions between Kiev and Budapest, with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky issuing personal threats against Orban. Hungary has long been at odds with Ukraine, opposing its EU and NATO bids and resisting funding for its war effort against Russia. As the EU continues to grapple with the loan's fate, officials in Brussels are reportedly considering stripping Hungary of its voting rights to push through the loan for Kiev.