EU devises strategy to bypass Hungary's veto on Ukraine fund
Voluntary contributions and bypassing Hungary in decision-making are Brussels's new ideas regarding the military support fund for Ukraine. For a year, Budapest has blocked the EU from increasing this fund.
The EU has developed a “concrete proposal” to bypass Hungary's veto on increasing the European Peace Facility. The EU uses this fund to support Ukraine's fight against Russia. EU countries are reimbursed from this fund for weapons and ammunition sent to Kyiv.
Unanimous consent from all countries is required to replenish the fund each time. Hungary has opposed replenishing the fund for over a year, which it is owed for weapons transferred to Ukraine.
Journalists indicate that the unanimity rule would be changed. This would allow bypassing Hungary's veto—they wouldn't have to contribute to the fund and couldn’t oppose payments made by other countries. Budapest's contribution has been minimal—just over one per cent—so the loss to the EU would be minor. Analyses and work are underway to convert this new idea into law.
EU countries have had enough of Hungary's stance
In the second half of September, the Polish Press Agency reported that the legal services of the European Union are preparing a solution that will allow bypassing Hungary's veto on reimbursements for arms for Ukraine.
An EU source told PAP, “Member states that provide arms and ammunition to Ukraine are already tired of Hungary's constant veto.” This signifies a breakthrough, as capitals have wanted to maintain unity among member countries until now.
However, the capitals are now ready to circumvent Budapest's opposition. Especially since, in the case of the EPF, it is they—not Ukraine—who are affected. Therefore, at the end of August, the EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell publicly announced that he is seeking a solution to bypass Hungary's veto.
