Merc Angry at Orban: "An Act of Gross Disloyalty within the EU"
The European Union summit ended without accomplishing anything – thanks to a man from Budapest. Viktor Orban blocked an already agreed-upon loan for Ukraine, but the other summit participants made it clear to him that this would not pass easily.
TL;DR
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked a €90 billion loan for Ukraine at the EU summit.
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Orban's actions as "gross disloyalty" and warned of consequences.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism that the loan would eventually be approved.
- EU leaders condemned Orban's behavior, stating that no one can "blackmail" the EU Council.
- Hungary and Slovakia maintained their blockade, with Orban demanding the resumption of Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline.
- Ukraine claims the pipeline is unusable due to Russian attacks and requires repairs.
- Hungary's Fides party is accused of campaigning against Ukraine and the EU ahead of upcoming elections.
- The summit confirmed the EU's exclusion of active participation in the war in Iran and called for a moratorium on attacks on energy and water infrastructure.
- Leaders discussed securing the Strait of Hormuz, with Germany potentially participating after hostilities cease.
- French President Emmanuel Macron plans to discuss establishing a UN framework for securing the Strait.
- EU leaders expressed strong concern about potential mass migrations and vowed "not to allow 2015 to happen again."
- The EU is prepared to use diplomatic, legal, operational, and financial instruments to prevent uncontrolled migration.
- EU leaders condemned settler violence in the West Bank and Israel's expansionist measures.
- The statement called for adherence to the status quo concerning holy sites in Jerusalem and for Israel to fulfill its obligations under international law.