The European Parliament this Thursday (24) approved a new proposal for financial aid to Ukraine for 2023 in the amount of 18 billion euros (approximately US$ 18.7 billion), but the plan has been blocked by Hungary.
The proposal was accepted with 507 votes in favor, 38 against and 26 abstentions.
Welcoming the result of the vote, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “This is important not only for the much-needed funding of the Ukrainian people, but also for democracy.”
This 2023 aid offer, in the form of loans with interest to be covered by Member States, was launched by the European Commission in early November with the idea of continuing the first payments in January.
But Hungary, which has a troubled relationship with European institutions, refuses to allow joint credit. Hungary’s veto on the proposal, which was voted on in the Parliament, practically prevents its formal approval in the European Council.
At the same time, also this Thursday, the Hungarian government announced that it will provide 187m euros in financial assistance to Ukraine.
Hungary is in a fierce dispute with the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, which has questioned the government’s respect for the rule of law. They can therefore withhold European funds that normally fall into the country.
This Thursday, Members of the European Parliament condemned the Hungarian government’s position.
In another text that was voted on today, they criticized “the Hungarian authorities’ continued abuse of Europe’s rule of unanimity to block fundamental decisions”.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that Ukraine’s needs will be between €3 billion and €4 billion per month in 2023.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.