BRUSSELS (Reuters) December,6 – Hungary headed to Budapest on Tuesday to reject an 18 billion euro ($19 billion) loan from the European Union to Ukraine.
At his EU economy and finance ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Hungarian Minister Mihaivarga reiterated that the government opposes EU common bond loans to Ukraine. Budapest has announced that it will provide bilateral aid to Kyiv.
But Varga’s Lithuanian colleague told Reuters ahead of the negotiations that it would be “immoral” for Hungary to withhold EU aid to Ukraine. He said he was trying to force other member states to hand over billions of euros from the common EU budget to Budapest. On Tuesday, the minister’s chairman said Hungary’s position does not prevent other member states from supporting Ukraine.
Hungary is the only her EU member state whose blueprint spending plan has not yet been approved as the commission blocks access because it is a former communist country with undermined judicial independence. , are the conditions for receiving funds.
According to EU law, 70% of the money will be irrevocably lost if the plan is not approved by the end of the year. This allowed Brussels to put pressure on Prime Minister Victor Orban, who wanted to set aside money for the ailing economy.
During his 12 years in power, Orban has regularly fought bitterly with the EU over LGBT rights and Hungary’s treatment of immigrants. Hungary has also strengthened state control over NGOs, academics, courts and the media. International watchdogs say he has been channeling EU money into his inner circle and building power over the years.Orban has found Hungary more corrupt than other EU countries. Deny.
Also caught in Tuesday’s EU dispute with Orban was the OECD deal to tax large international companies at a minimum of 15%.
All 27 member states are required for the entire EU to join the OECD plan, but it also blocks Budapest.
Given the high level of mistrust between Brussels and Budapest, the commission has called Orban to create a new anti-corruption agency, among other moves aimed at alleviating EU concerns about the state of Hungary’s democracy. was not fully convinced by the recent movements of Germany was among those seeking more time on Tuesday, officials said, and the bloc could back a committee proposal to withhold funds later in December.
