In a display of solidarity, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has thrown his support behind Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in a heated clash with Brussels concerning financial assistance for Ukraine. Fico, during a joint press conference with Orbán in Budapest, criticized the European Union’s attempt to “punish” Hungary for its position on funding for Ukraine, asserting that he will not endorse any measures that undermine a nation’s sovereignty.
Prime Minister Fico, expressing his unwavering stance, declared, “As long as I am the head of the Slovak government, I will never agree that a country should be punished for fighting for its sovereignty. I will never agree with such an attack on Hungary.” The Slovak leader’s vocal support for Orbán underscores the growing tension within the European Union on matters related to Ukraine aid.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán finds himself at the center of controversy within the EU after obstructing a proposed €50 billion aid package for Ukraine during the European Council summit in December. Orbán’s dissenting stance, unique among his counterparts in the 27-member bloc, revolves around his belief that additional financial support for Kyiv should be sourced from a distinct budget rather than the EU’s general budget.
Emphasizing the need to assist Ukraine without compromising the EU budget, Orbán reiterated his position during the joint press conference, stating, “If we want to help Ukraine, which is necessary, we must do it in a way that does not damage the EU budget.” Orbán warned that if the EU does not accept his proposal, he may be compelled to halt the entire aid process. In response, Brussels has sought ways to bypass Orbán’s veto ahead of the upcoming February 1 EU summit, with 120 Members of the European Parliament signing a petition urging measures to limit Hungary’s voting rights.
Prime Minister Fico came to Orbán’s defense during the press conference, aligning himself with Orbán’s call for alternative sources of aid for Ukraine. Fico also criticized the EU’s attempts to curtail Hungary’s voting rights, expressing agreement with Orbán’s proposal to explore alternative avenues for financial support for Ukraine.
As the clash between Orbán and Brussels intensifies, the EU faces a critical juncture in navigating internal disagreements over Ukraine aid. The support garnered by Orbán from Prime Minister Fico highlights the complexities and divergent perspectives within the European Union, setting the stage for crucial discussions and decisions in the lead-up to the February 1 summit.
