EU bypasses Hungary to boost Ukraine military fund
According to findings by a Polish radio journalist, voluntary contributions and bypassing Hungary in decision-making are Brussels' latest ideas regarding the military support fund for Ukraine. Budapest has blocked the EU from increasing this fund for over a year.
1:53 PM EDT, October 10, 2024
The EU has developed a “concrete proposal” to circumvent Hungary's veto on increasing the European Peace Facility. Currently, the EU uses this fund to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia. EU countries are reimbursed from this fund for the weapons and ammunition sent to Kyiv.
To replenish the fund each time, unanimous consent from all countries is required.
Findings by a Polish Radio journalist indicate that the unanimity rule would be changed. This would allow bypassing Hungary's veto—Hungary wouldn't have to contribute to the fund and couldn’t oppose payments made by other countries. Budapest's contribution is minimal—just over one percent—so the loss to the EU would be minor. Analyses and work are now underway to convert this new idea into law.
EU countries have had enough of Hungary's stance
In the second half of September, the Polish Press Agency reported that the European Union's legal services are preparing a solution that will allow Ukraine to bypass Hungary's veto on reimbursements for arms.
An EU source told PAP that member states that provide arms and ammunition to Ukraine are already tired of Hungary's constant veto. This signifies a breakthrough, as capitals have wanted to maintain unity among member countries until now.
However, the capitals are now ready to circumvent Budapest's opposition, especially since, in the case of the EPF, they—not Ukraine—are affected. Therefore, at the end of August, the EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell publicly announced that he is seeking a solution to bypass Hungary's veto.
