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The informal summit of heads of state and government was marked by the unblocking of the loan to Ukraine and the presence of leaders from the Gulf region.
The European Union has given the green light to the 90 billion euro loan intended for Ukraine.
As the supply of oil through the Druzhba pipeline is set to be restored in the coming hours, Hungary and Slovakia have indicated they will stop blocking the final steps for the loan to Ukraine.
Hungary and Slovakia dropped their veto on Wednesday, April 22, regarding the 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, allowing the European Union to proceed with these measures. European sources told Lusa that during the meeting of EU ambassadors this morning, the Hungarian and Slovak representatives indicated they would stop blocking the final steps for the adoption of the loan and the new package of restrictive measures, as oil supply through the Druzhba pipeline is being or will be restored in the coming hours. Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council this semester, will now initiate a written procedure to formalize this approval. An official source from the Cypriot presidency confirmed that both the loan and the sanctions package were included on the ambassadors' agenda and approved. The same source expects the written procedure for final adoption by the Council to be concluded by Thursday afternoon. Macron stated that the EU's 90 billion euro loan to Kyiv will be fulfilled.
“Following the elections in Hungary, there is new momentum and I expect a positive decision on the 90 billion euro loan within the next 24 hours.” The European Union is expected to approve the 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine.
In Brussels, and also in Kyiv, the expectation is that the first tranche of funding for Ukraine will proceed within two weeks.
The goal is for the first tranche to be transferred to Ukraine as early as the second quarter of this year. The loan had been blocked since the end of 2025 by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The loan is intended to guarantee budgetary support and accelerate urgent defence acquisitions for Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. The Hungarian veto has delayed the schedule for initial disbursements.
Even with Hungary's blockade, the European Union will move forward with 90 billion for Ukraine.
Europe's longest-serving leader won the fight over Ukraine's €90B loan. By the next summit he could be a distant memory.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, assured on Thursday that “no one can blackmail” this and other European Union (EU) institutions, referring to the Hungarian blockade on a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine.
The Prime Minister expressed his conviction today that Hungary's blockade of the 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine will be overcome “very quickly”, noting that all parties have committed to repairing the Druzhba pipeline.
The EU's head of diplomacy says the main issue at the meeting of EU leaders is how to unblock the loan to Ukraine and show the European community's support for the country.
António Costa stated that the Hungarian government's decision to block the EU loan is “not acceptable”. Orbán argues that the option is legally supported and will only change when they obtain oil.
António Costa stated in “clear and diplomatically strong terms” that the Hungarian government's decision “is not acceptable” and constitutes a violation of the principle of loyal cooperation between member states.
EU heads of state and government discussed a 90 billion loan to Ukraine for 90 minutes on Thursday, March 19, but the Hungarian Prime Minister refused to lift his blockade, leaving the situation at a stalemate. European Council President António Costa stated that the Hungarian government's decision is 'unacceptable' and violates the principle of loyal cooperation, as Budapest had previously approved the loan in December. Costa also noted that the Druzhba pipeline repair is a separate issue already in progress and condemned recent threats made by President Volodymyr Zelensky against Viktor Orbán. Orbán maintains that his blockade is legally justified and insists he will not approve funds until Hungary receives oil. The summit is expected to conclude without an agreement, as Ukraine faces a funding shortfall by May.
Luís Montenegro highlighted “the historic decision” to grant a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine.
President of the European Council calls on Hungary to respect the community agreement.
Despite tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, Costa remains optimistic about the approval of this loan. Ukraine only has funds until May, making this financial aid urgent.
The President of the European Council says he is “optimistic” that, at the European summit at the end of the week, Hungary will enable the adoption of a 90 billion euro European loan to Ukraine, despite tensions between Budapest and Kyiv.
European Commission is desperate to unblock a massive tranche of aid for Ukraine.
The resolution for granting aid to Ukraine and EU accession was approved with the support of MEPs, who refused to continue financing the war and transforming the EU into a “political-military” union.
The President of the European Commission promises new sanctions against Moscow and reaffirms unwavering support for Kyiv, which includes a €90 billion loan, as the war approaches its fourth year.
Belgium's veto made the 'plan A' unworkable, so Member States moved forward with joint debt issuance. António Costa says a two-year loan is “crucial to achieving a just peace”.
After a long meeting of European leaders, the bloc of 27 reached an agreement to finance €90 billion. Also in this paper: Marques Mendes is the subject of a complaint to the Attorney General’s Office (PGR).
Last European Council of the year marked by uncertainty and division among member states.
