News
Hungary blocks $54bn EU aid for Ukraine
The European Union leaders agreed to initiate membership talks with Ukraine, even amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, during a summit in Brussels.
The historic decision was made by sidelining objections from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who left the room during the pivotal vote.
However, the leaders faced a stumbling block regarding a proposed 50 billion euro financial aid package for Kyiv, encountering opposition from Orban, who has close ties with Russia.
Despite intense negotiations and a compromise budget proposal presented by summit chairman Charles Michel, unanimity among the 27 EU leaders proved elusive.
The discussions on the financial package, crucial for supporting Ukraine and addressing other EU priorities, were suspended in the early hours of Friday morning.
The requirement for unanimity necessitated overcoming Orban’s resistance, leading to a decision to resume talks in January. Some leaders expressed optimism about reaching a deal at that time.
While acknowledging the urgency of financial support, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed confidence in securing an agreement early next year.
“We still have some time, Ukraine is not out of money in the next few weeks,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters on leaving the talks. “I am fairly confident we can get a deal early next year, we are thinking of late January,” said Rutte.
-
News18 hours ago
Tinubu set to launch projects at national fire academy
-
Entertainment21 hours ago
TikTok bans account of Nigerian buried alive for 24hrs
-
Entertainment20 hours ago
Cardi B knocks TMZ over attempt to set up Ayra Starr
-
News20 hours ago
Senate approves death penalty for drug dealers
-
News20 hours ago
11 injured as Boeing passenger plane veers off runway in Senegal
-
Education18 hours ago
Reps urge presidency to implement agreements with ASUU, NASU
-
Metro18 hours ago
Customs intercepts cannabis smuggled from Ghana in Ogun
-
News6 hours ago
Customs ‘won’t rest’ until smugglers who killed colleague are caught – Comptroller