Tensions escalate

Orbán blocks aid for Ukraine with oil ultimatum

No oil, no deal: Viktor Orbán is also making a show of himself on the big European stage as part of the election campaign in Hungary.(Bild: EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS)

At the EU summit in Brussels, the power struggle continues to escalate: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico are blocking aid to Ukraine—and thus keeping the EU in limbo. The other member states are now responding with an unusual move.

The heads of state and government adopted the Ukraine section of the summit declaration by a vote of 25—without Hungary and Slovakia. Both countries are sticking to their blockade of the already approved 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine.

Orbán remains firm – despite EU offer
Even a concrete offer from Brussels failed to shift the situation: The EU held out the prospect of repairing the damaged Druzhba pipeline with its own experts. Nevertheless, Orbán stuck to his “no.” He continues to make his approval contingent on Russian oil flowing to Hungary again.

The backdrop is the pipeline through Ukraine, damaged by Russian attacks. Budapest and Bratislava accuse Kyiv of delaying the repairs. The conflict is playing out during the Hungarian election campaign—a new parliament will be elected on April 12.

No oil, no deal: Viktor Orbán is also making a show of himself on the big European stage as part of the election campaign in Hungary.(Bild: EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS)

At the summit itself, Orbán is coming under increasing pressure. According to sources within the EU, he was openly criticized by other heads of state and government, and photos show him appearing isolated at times.

Sharp criticism from the EU
 EUChief Diplomat Kaja Kallas expressed little optimism and indirectly accused Orbán of a lack of rationality. She noted that there are alternative options for oil supplies, such as from Croatia—yet Hungary remains steadfast in its position.

The European Council is nevertheless sticking to the aid package: the first disbursement of the 90 billion euros is already expected in early April. At the same time, the 25 member states are pushing for the swift adoption of another package of sanctions against Russia—a move that Hungary is currently blocking as well.

Zelenskyy: “Funds that protect lives”
“For three months now, Europe’s most important financial security guarantee for Ukraine has not been functioning—the 90-billion-euro aid package for this year and next. This is of crucial importance to us. These are funds that protect lives,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, according to X, in his video address at the EU summit. He said he had received signals from the American side that peace talks could resume soon. “But with what attitude will the Russian side come to the talks?” Zelenskyy continued. “Everyone” must ensure that the Russians do not feel emboldened.

Stocker Urges Energy Relief
Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) warned that decisions should not be blocked for domestic political reasons. At the same time, he is calling for European measures against high energy prices at the summit.

Austria has already taken countermeasures at the national level, but “European solutions” are also needed. The electricity pricing system in particular is under criticism, as prices are based on expensive gas despite high levels of renewable energy. Stocker is therefore calling for intervention at the EU level as well as relief for industry through extended free allowances.

The chancellor also sees progress at the EU level regarding the so-called “Austria surcharge” on branded products.

Energy crisis as backdrop
The summit is further overshadowed by the Middle East conflict and the tense situation on the energy markets, such as the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. EU member states reject military intervention.