2024-02-01 11:10:44
The negotiations between the Twenty-Seven finally made it possible to find common ground, despite the reluctance of the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.
First modification: 02/01/2024 – 12:10 Last modification: 02/01/2024 – 12:20
1 min
The leaders of the European Union countries reached an agreement on February 1 on a new aid package for Ukraine for 50 billion euros (54 billion dollars), which had been blocked by Hungary, announced the president of the European Council. , Charles Michel.
“This ensures firm, predictable and long-term financing for Ukraine. The EU is taking leadership and responsibility in supporting Ukraine; we know what is at stake,” Michel wrote on the X social network.
We have a deal. #Unity
All 27 leaders agreed on an additional €50 billion support package for Ukraine within the EU budget.
This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for #Ukraine.
EU is taking leadership & responsibility in support for Ukraine; we know what is…
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) February 1, 2024
Until then, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, the only one of the 27 to have maintained close ties with Moscow after the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago, had opposed this essential financial support for kyiv. Brussels accused him of blackmailing him into releasing frozen EU funds due to Hungary’s violations of the rule of law.
Ukraine welcomes EU’s “contribution” to “common victory” over Russia
Ukraine’s prime minister welcomed this agreement, and kyiv saw it as a “contribution” to a “common victory” over Russia. “EU Member States once again show their solidarity and unity (…) to help the Ukrainian people resist the war” with Moscow, said Denys Shmyhal in X. “Each of your votes is a significant contribution to our common victory,” he added.
Welcome an approval by #EUCO the decision on establishing of Ukraine Facility of up to €50 billion for 2024-2027.
EU Member States one more time show their solidarity & unity in the actions to Ukrainian people to withstand the war.
Grateful to @CharlesMichelthe Leaders of EU…— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) February 1, 2024
The new aid package for Ukraine demonstrates the “solid unity” of the Twenty-Seven, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted. “It is very important that the decision was made by all 27 leaders, which once again demonstrates the strong unity of the EU,” Zelensky said in a statement posted on social media.
Grateful to @CharlesMichel and EU leaders for establishing the €50 billion Ukraine Facility for 2024-2027.
It is very important that the decision was made by all 27 leaders, which once again proves strong EU unity.
Continued EU financial support for Ukraine will strengthen…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa) February 1, 2024
This European aid (€33 billion in loans and €17 billion in grants) will be included in an extension of the EU budget until 2027.
#approves #billion #euros #aid #Ukraine