Hungary’s decision to block a 90 billion euro loan intended for Ukraine has sparked harsh reactions from other European Union member states, who view the move as an act of disloyalty.
The leadership of the European Union has strongly accused Budapest of violating the principle of loyal cooperation stipulated in the treaties, after it unexpectedly decided to block the loan in the context of an energy dispute unrelated to the support for Kiev, writes Euronews.
The financial assistance program had been agreed upon in December by the heads of state and government, after difficult negotiations, and was in the final stage of the legislative process, with the first tranche expected to be granted at the beginning of April.
Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic had previously obtained an exemption clause from the scheme.
“It is truly regrettable,” declared the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, at the end of Monday’s foreign ministers’ meeting. “It is not in accordance with the loyal cooperation clause stipulated in the (EU) treaties.”
In turn, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, told Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán that the decisions approved by the 27 leaders “must be respected”.
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