EU Summit Tangles over Ukraine Aid and EU Membership - Orbán's Ultimatum
As the EU's most significant summit of the year approaches (starting Thursday), the air is tinged with uncertainty. Twenty-six member states overwhelmingly support Ukraine, an invasion victim by Russia, who needs immediate financial aid and EU membership perspectives. However, one obstinate voice threatens to derail the entire summit - Hungary's prime minister and Putin's ally, Viktor Orbán (60) - who is openly prepared to sabotage these prospects.
Orbán's Gamble on Billions
Europe is faced with a daunting dilemma. If Orbán remains firm, Europe's robust stance against Putin's brutal war of aggression and solidarity with Ukraine will falter. Then again, if the EU attempts to sway Orbán at the last minute, they risk succumbing to officious extortion, a humiliating blow particularly to Germany, as the largest net contributors to the EU.
The EU funds Orbán is reportedly extorting are estimated at a staggering 13 billion euros. These funds had been held back due to rule of law concerns in Hungary.
Orbán's Public Antagonism with EU
Orbán's hostility towards the EU has reached unprecedented levels. He incited anti-EU sentiment within Hungary, and his proximity with Putin - especially in energy partnerships (gas and nuclear power plants) - has been extended further. Furthermore, Hungary's government is notorious for its corruption, having diverted EU funds into dubious channels last year, necessitating the EU's suspension of aid to Budapest.
Orbán's Zurich Sermon
At a luxury hotel in Zurich, during a lecture, Orbán openly advised the Swiss to steer clear of Brussels. Orbán has even apportioned Hungary and Switzerland a common enemy - the EU.
Is von der Leyen About to Cave In?
It is disheartening to learn that EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, may yield to Orbán's threats of releasing the frozen funds amidst strong opposition from the EU Parliament and even within her authority.
The Choice between Pestilence and Cholera
Many EU diplomats view von der Leyen's decision as a "plague vs. cholera" situation. Given her desire to secure a second term in office, von der Leyen cannot afford to ignore the EU Parliament's position. However, it is crystal clear that the EU should never again succumb to blackmailery by Orbán.
Explosive Suggestions
The EU's dilemma has led to various suggestions, including freezing all funds and withdrawing Orbán's voting rights rather than succumbing to blackmail. Another suggestion is to soldier on with 26 members rather than 27 if a consensus cannot be reached.
Scathing Criticism
MP Moritz Körner (33, FDP/Renew Europe) called von der Leyen's decision as "allowing herself to be blackmailed," and she is "sacrificing democracy in Hungary to save democracy in Ukraine," effectively enabling Orbán to preserve his oligarchic, anti-constitutional state through corruptly diverted EU funds.
Understanding Orbán's Threats
Recent developments:
- Orbán has dropped his veto on a four-year, 50 billion-euro aid package for Ukraine, after significant negotiations. In exchange, Hungary demanded a review mechanism to ensure the rational use of funds.
- Orbán threatened to veto the EU's renewal of sanctions against Russia if it did not guarantee the resumption of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. This threat was aimed at protecting Hungary's energy security.
In conclusion, as the EU summit looms, there's increasing tension between Hungary's Orbán and the EU over Ukraine's financial aid and EU membership prospects. Orbán's extortion threat of 13 billion euros is testing Europe's unity. His continued quest for power and allegiance to Putin is causing significant upheaval within the EU. The EU's choice is clear: buckle under Orbán's threats or maintain a united and strong stance against his blackmailery.
