by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
BRUSSELS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – European Union leaders condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s decision on Thursday to block a 90 billion euro ($98 billion) loan for Ukraine, linking his stance to a dispute with Kyiv over Russian oil supplies.
Orbán said he would not support the loan unless Ukraine allows the resumption of oil deliveries to Hungary via the Soviet-era Druzhba (“Friendship”) pipeline, which Budapest says has been disrupted.
The standoff overshadowed a European Union summit in Brussels, where other leaders reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine’s independence and called for increased military and financial assistance, including air defense systems, ammunition, and drones.
EU LEADERS CONDEMN HUNGARY’S STANCE
European Council President António Costa said Hungary’s move was “unacceptable” and violated principles of “good faith and loyal cooperation” within the bloc.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Orbán’s reversal “a gross act of disloyalty,” warning it would leave “deep marks” within the European Union.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Hungary had backed the loan in December but was now “taking its agreement back,” raising concerns about the bloc’s ability to enforce decisions.
LOAN DEADLOCK AS ELECTIONS LOOM
Orbán’s position comes ahead of Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary elections, where his Fidesz party is trailing in most opinion polls.
Critics say he is using the Ukraine issue in his campaign, while allies argue Hungary must secure its energy interests before supporting further aid. Unlike most other EU nations, Hungary and neighboring Slovakia remain heavily dependent on Russian oil and natural gas deliveries.
The two countries were the only EU member states refusing to endorse a joint summit statement supporting Ukraine, leaving 25 countries to adopt the declaration.
European leaders have asked the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, to explore ways to move forward with the loan despite Hungary’s opposition.
PIPELINE DISPUTE AT CORE OF CRISIS
The dispute centers on the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine.
Kyiv says the pipeline was damaged in Russian attacks, while Budapest accuses Ukraine of delaying repairs.
Despite Ukraine offering to allow EU-backed assistance to restore the pipeline, Orbán said he would “never support” decisions favoring Kyiv while Hungary cannot access what he called its oil supply.
EU WARNS OF BROADER CONSEQUENCES
Leaders stressed that Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union and urged Russia to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire.
They also warned that continued divisions risk undermining EU unity at a time when Ukraine faces mounting financial pressure and an ongoing war with Russia.
The summit was initially planned to focus on boosting Europe’s economic competitiveness.
However, it was overshadowed by the dispute and broader geopolitical tensions, including the war in the Middle East, which has impacted oil and natural gas prices and raised concerns about a possible new wave of refugees heading toward Europe.
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