The European Union decided on Thursday to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
Yet hours later, Viktor Orban used his veto to block a 50 billion euro aid package for war-ravaged Kiev, International Media points out, citing:
"The special fund, which combines 33 billion euros in low-interest loans and 17 billion euros in grants, is part of a broader overhaul of the bloc's joint budget that has pitted member states against each other as they haggled over new money, redistributions and savings.
The EU's decision on financial aid to Ukraine and Hungary's veto
After a lengthy debate that lasted into Friday morning, heads of state and government reached a preliminary agreement on the Ukraine Facility, a special €50 billion fund to help Kiev keep the economy running between 2024 and 2027.
But Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán fulfilled his threat and used his veto power to derail the forged consensus. As budget issues require unanimity, it was impossible for the leaders to move forward with the €50 billion fund.
The issue will be discussed again in January, said European Council President Charles Michel, hoping to find the necessary 27 votes.
Sweden should also consult its national parliament before giving its official blessing.
In January 2024 will Hungary's BY-PASS be attempted if it does not consent?
Michel, however, tried to downplay Hungary's opposition to the package, advertising that "in a few hours we managed to make a balanced proposal with broad political support".
"It shows that we are serious, it shows that we want to be credible and we want to do everything to protect and defend these fundamental interests and provide more stability. We need stability and especially in these very complex geopolitical times. " he said.
The Council President declined to comment on whether his services could consider moving to a support package backed by the 26 member states without Hungary, telling reporters around 03:00 CET: "I don't want to say too much about the proposal for the next meeting. We have several tools in our hands to ensure that we keep our political promises."
The US Senators' refusal of additional aid to Ukraine
The development comes just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington in an unsuccessful attempt to persuade U.S. senators to approve additional aid for his country, mainly for the purchase of weapons from American manufacturers.
Kiev has warned that it faces a 40 billion euro budget deficit next year, a hole that only Western countries can fill.
The EU and the US are expected to shoulder the biggest share of the blame.
But recent developments on both sides of the Atlantic have drastically increased the chances of a sudden cut-off of foreign aid.
"I would like to send a positive and reassuring message, because we have tools to guarantee that we are reliable and that Ukrainians can count on our support," Michel said when asked about this possibility.
"A message of hope"
Despite the financial aid fiasco, the summit achieved a major breakthrough when leaders agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, two countries that submitted membership bids in the early days of the war.
The green light is seen as a stern rebuke to Vladimir Putin's vigorous efforts to exert control over Russia's immediate neighbourhood.
Member states also granted Georgia candidate status, sparking street celebrations in the country's capital Tbilisi.
In addition, the bloc will open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina "when the necessary degree of compliance with the accession criteria has been achieved". The Balkan country's progress will be assessed in a progress report to be presented in March.
"It's a very strong political message, it's a very strong political decision," President Michel told reporters after the blessing was made official.
"And today and tonight, I think, for the people of Ukraine, we are on their side and this decision taken by the member states is extremely important for the credibility of the European Union."
"It was important that no member state resisted the decision and that's why we were able to make this announcement tonight," Michel added.
After being declared a candidate country last June, Ukraine made seven reforms to fulfill as a condition for starting talks. Brussels said the country has fully completed four of the seven reforms, with work underway in the areas of anti-corruption, de-oligarchy and minority rights.
This progress, estimated at "well over 90%," was declared sufficient to allow Kiev to enter the next phase, something Budapest strongly contested.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was delighted with Ukraine's accession progress
The news from Brussels quickly prompted a series of social media posts celebrating what many leaders described as a "historic day".
Ukraine-Moldova start EU accession negotiations
"This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires and strengthens," wrote President Zelensky, who gave a video message during the summit urging leaders to take a positive decision.
"History is made by those who never tire of fighting for freedom," he added.
"Moldova turns a new page today with the EU's green light for accession talks. We feel the warm embrace of Europe today. Thank you for your support and faith in our journey", said Moldovan President Maya Sandu. "We are committed to the hard work required to become a member of the EU. Moldova is ready to meet the challenge."
Georgia is granted EU candidate country status
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili spoke of a "monumental milestone for Georgia" and the rest of the continent. "The unwavering will of the Georgian people has spoken, leading to the well-deserved acquisition of candidate status," Zourabichvili wrote. "Georgia's reunification with its European family is an irreversible prospect!"
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission and one of Kiev's most ardent supporters, hailed "a strategic decision and a day that will be etched" in the bloc's history. "We are proud to have kept our promises and we are happy for our partners," von der Leyen said.
EU's future commitment to Moldova-Georgia a thorn in Putin's plans
It follows from the above that the EU is putting a damper on Putin's plans to extend the war to Moldova and Georgia, although in our estimation, in the event that the US-EU does not re-enforce Ukraine it will collapse militarily, in which case the sails of Russian aggression will be blown, with the Russian President extending the war, regardless of reactions and consequences.
