Von der Leyen: Ukraine will still receive €90bn from EU
The European Union will still provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan package for 2026-2028, despite opposition from Hungary.
Source: European Pravda, citing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference after the EU leaders' summit on the night of 19-20 March
Quote: "The loan remains blocked because one leader [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán] is not honouring his word. But let me reiterate what I already said in Kyiv. We will deliver one way or the other."
Details: Von der Leyen noted that the European Council had approved the €90 billion support package for Ukraine in December 2025.
"There was one condition, the condition that three countries [Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia] would not participate in the loan. That condition has been fulfilled. So let us be clear about where we stand," she said.
She acknowledged that the EU faces "challenging tasks", but added: "Today we have strengthened our resolve. It was a very good European council."
Background:
- EU leaders discussed the €90 billion loan for Ukraine on 19 March but failed to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to lift his veto. Criticism was also voiced towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over remarks directed at Orban.
- Orbán said on the sidelines of the European Council in Brussels that Hungary will not unblock any decisions favourable to Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline resumes transporting Russian oil.
- Following discussions regarding Ukraine, the European Council adopted conclusions on 19 March, signed by 25 EU leaders, with the exception of Hungary and Slovakia.
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