90 billion for Ukraine in exchange for 16 billion for Budapest? Orban may lift the blocking of the EU loan

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may agree to unblock a €90 billion loan for Ukraine if the European Union approves a €16 billion defense loan for Budapest.

Politico reports this, citing European diplomats. According to the publication, in a letter to European Council President António Costa, Orbán hinted at the possibility of lifting the block on Ukrainian funding, provided the EU officially assesses the damages related to the damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Context: the SAFE defense fund and the Druzhba pipeline

According to diplomats, Budapest’s position may be broader: Hungary is interested in approving a loan under the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense program. The fund’s total volume is 150 billion euros, and it provides for loans to member states and partners, including Ukraine, for joint defense procurement.

Hungary has previously blocked a loan to Ukraine, demanding the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline. Budapest, along with Slovakia, is also insisting on an assessment and repair of the infrastructure.

Thus, the issue of EU macro-financial support for Ukraine has become part of broader political and energy negotiations within the Union.