The European Union’s $7 billion military aid package for Ukraine remains in limbo, as EU foreign-policy chief Josep Borrell revealed in remarks to the press on Tuesday. Borrell outlined that despite discussions during this week’s meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers focusing on the Ukraine conflict, consensus is yet to be reached.
Borrell highlighted the bureaucratic hurdle, stating that “seven legal acts need approval” to unlock the substantial military aid under the Ukrainian Assistance Fund. He admitted that achieving unanimity among member states has been elusive for quite some time, impeding progress on the aid package.
Efforts to finalize the aid package ahead of this week’s Brussels meetings were derailed, reportedly due to resistance from Hungary. Budapest’s opposition stems from its criticism of extensive Western support for Ukraine. Hungarian officials, led by Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, have remained steadfast in blocking the €6.6 billion military aid package, despite objections from EU counterparts.
Moreover, an EU proposal to utilize profits from frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s weaponry has encountered a similar impasse, largely due to Hungary’s resistance. Borrell’s support for this plan has faced hurdles amid concerns raised by Budapest.
The EU’s stance is further complicated by Moscow’s warnings of retaliation should its seized assets be utilized for Ukraine. However, Brussels remains committed to aiding Ukraine, having mobilized nearly $35 billion in military support thus far, including substantial funding under the European Peace Facility.
In March 2024, the European Council established a dedicated Ukrainian Assistance Fund totaling almost $5.5 billion.
