EU Peace Facility receives top-up funding with Hungarian support from abstention
EU foreign affairs ministers have agreed to allocate an additional 5 billion euros to the European Peace Facility, with a focus on funding for Ukraine. This decision was made with Hungary’s constructive abstention, according to Péter Szijjártó, the Hungarian foreign minister. The agreement allows Hungary to exempt itself from financing arms deliveries while still contributing financially to the cause.
Szijjártó emphasized the importance of using the funds to address key issues such as stabilizing the Sahel region, combatting migration, and supporting the Western Balkans. He expressed disappointment in the failure of the EU’s Ukraine strategy, urging EU leaders to take responsibility for the damages incurred.
The foreign minister also issued a warning against deploying European troops to Ukraine, calling such actions “extremely dangerous and fear-mongering.” He reminded his colleagues of a NATO decision to avoid direct confrontation with Russia and expressed hope that NATO would not send troops to Ukraine.
Addressing the impact of the conflict on Hungary, Szijjártó highlighted the challenges faced by Hungarian agriculture due to an influx of low-quality Ukrainian grain. He mentioned efforts to manage the situation at the Hungarian-Ukrainian border, including expanding border crossings and facilitating the transfer of Ukrainian cargo.
In conclusion, Szijjártó stressed Hungary’s commitment to easing the burden of the war and working towards peace in Ukraine. He called for a measured approach from EU member states to avoid escalating tensions and risking a wider conflict.
