Hungary may lift veto on €90 billion EU aid to Ukraine if Druzhba pipeline is restored

Hungary’s new policy may pave the way for unblocking a large-scale package of financial assistance for Ukraine from the European Union. This is a €90 billion loan, which currently remains blocked due to Budapest’s position.

This was reported by Bloomberg with reference to the statements of the new Prime Minister of Hungary, Peter Magyar. He noted that the previous veto introduced by the government of Viktor Orban may be lifted under certain conditions.

According to Magyar, the key prerequisite for changing the position will be the restoration of stable oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. He emphasized that energy stability is the decisive factor in negotiations on financial assistance to Ukraine.

At the same time, the new head of government emphasized that Hungary does not plan to directly participate in the financing of this loan, even if the blockage is lifted. However, the country, he said, would no longer block a decision at EU level.

Budapest had previously used its veto power, linking it to the shutdown of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which was damaged in a military strike in January. The Hungarian side insisted on the restoration of Russian oil supplies, which has strained relations with Brussels, as a decision on a loan requires the consent of all 27 EU member states.

Magyar confirmed the change in political rhetoric in an interview with state television, saying that the new government’s priority was ensuring energy security. He also added that the restoration of the pipeline could be the key to unlocking the financial package in the near future.

It is expected that once the Druzhba pipeline is technically restored, the European Union will be able to complete the necessary bureaucratic procedures to provide Ukraine with a loan. At the same time, Hungary maintains its position on refusing direct financial participation in the program, citing its own national interests.

Earlier, it was Hungary that blocked the EU's €90 billion financial assistance package, demanding the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, which was stopped after the pipeline was damaged in the Brody area of ​​Lviv region on January 27.

Despite this, on February 24, the EU General Affairs Council approved two documents that open the way to lending to Ukraine, but the third element - changes to the EU's long-term budget - is still blocked by Hungary, which effectively stops the final decision.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that the country had made significant progress in restoring the damaged Druzhba pipeline and plans to complete the repair work in the spring. Amid the negotiations, he also expressed hope for constructive cooperation with the new Hungarian government, emphasizing that mutual respect can strengthen both states.