As EU leaders prepare to converge in Brussels, unblocked funds may persuade Hungary to approve crucial financial aid for Ukraine, but its membership bid still hangs in the air
From: Euromaiden Press BY BOHDAN BEN
The EU summit on 14-15 December 2023 will decide on three critical Ukrainian issues: financial and military aid and the start of negotiations on Ukraine joining the EU. But Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán firmly said he will “take down membership from the agenda” despite previous talks with Ukraine and even an appeal from the Hungarian community in Ukraine.
Why the summit’s decisions matter
On 8 November, the European Commission recommended starting negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on joining the EU, but they can only start with the approval of all EU members. EU leaders will discuss the issue at the EU summit on 14-15 December. Crucial financial decisions are also on the agenda: the provision of € 50 billion of economic support in the following four years, and the allocation of another € 20 billion for the Ukrainian army.
Both the aid and EU membership issues brought to the summit are crucial for Ukraine’s long-term ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Voice of Ukraine 