Hungary Lifts Veto on €6.6 Billion for Ukraine, Paving Way for Patriot Purchases.

Hungary’s Blockade on European Peace Facility Payments Ends

According to Espreso.tv: Hungary has withdrawn its veto over disbursements from the European Peace Facility, unlocking funds intended to aid Ukraine. The shift in stance was announced by Hungary’s ambassador during a Monday meeting of the EU Council’s Political and Security Committee. This decision, made by Prime Minister Péter Mátyár’s government, reverses a two-year blockade previously imposed by Viktor Orbán.

The European Peace Facility reimburses member states roughly 40% of the cost for weapons donated to Ukraine. For years, Hungary obstructed these payments, leading to an accumulated backlog exceeding €40 billion. With the veto lifted, €6.6 billion in reimbursements is now freed, with additional funds expected later. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged EU nations to allocate these unblocked resources toward acquiring Patriot missile systems.

EU Accession Talks for Ukraine and Moldova Move Forward

Additionally, Budapest has signaled it will no longer block negotiations on EU membership for Ukraine and Moldova, with the opening of talks scheduled for June 15. Hungary has also reached an agreement with the European Commission to unlock €16.4 billion in previously frozen EU funds. An informal meeting of EU defense ministers is set for next week in Cyprus.

Lifting Hungary’s veto marks a critical step in sustaining Ukraine amid ongoing Russian military aggression.

Payments from the European Peace Facility not only provide financial relief but also reinforce the European Union’s unity on security matters. Opening the prospect of membership for Ukraine and Moldova could further incentivize reforms in those countries and deepen their integration into European frameworks.