EU member states agree on 50bn euro aid package for Ukraine
European Union leaders reached a faster-than-expected agreement on a 50 billion euro financial aid package for Ukraine at a summit in Brussels on Thursday, EU Council president Charles Michel announced. Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, who had previously opposed the deal, also gave his approval.
"We have a deal. All 27 leaders agreed on an additional 50 billion euro support package for Ukraine within the EU budget," Michel said on X. "The EU is taking leadership and responsibility in supporting Ukraine; we know what is at stake."
Reaching an agreement on Thursday initially seemed far from certain, as Orban had previously used his veto to block approval of the package. Unanimity was needed to push through the 50 billion euro aid package.
'Orban fatigue'
As leaders from the member states arrived in Brussels, tensions seemed high. "There is no problem with Ukraine fatigue, we have Orban fatigue now," Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said, accusing the Hungarian leader of playing an "egoistic game". "There is no room for compromise," he added.
Estonian leader Kaja Kallas said she and other leaders were looking for ways to "break the pattern" of Hungary repeatedly using its veto to "blackmail" other members.
Prime minister of Hungary Viktor Orban at the start of the EU Council summit on Thursday © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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