Italy’s Prime Minister Has Her Own Position, Which She Considers Correct
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has rejected media reports suggesting that she allegedly supported the pro-Russian stance of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban regarding the blocking of loans for Ukraine.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Adnkronos.
Read also: A 90 Billion Failure: How the EU Leaders’ Summit Ended for Ukraine and Is There a “Plan B”
Meloni emphasized that a resolution to the situation is possible through mutual concessions from both sides. According to her, the main part of the European Council meeting was dedicated to the unblocking of the Hungarian loan for Ukraine amounting to 90 billion euros.
At the same time, Meloni called the interpretations of her words that appeared in the media “strange” — that she supposedly supports Orban’s position on Ukraine. In reality, this is far from the truth.
“I believe that the situation can be resolved. I think that flexibility is necessary from both sides to achieve a solution. So, on one hand, in my opinion, the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline needs to be restored, and on the other hand, the 90 billion will be automatically unlocked,” Meloni stated.
It is worth noting that earlier, media reports indicated that Meloni shocked EU leaders during a closed session of the European Council summit by expressing understanding of Orban’s position on blocking aid to Ukraine. Meloni allegedly justified Orban’s actions by stating that he is on the brink of elections.
“If I were in the same situation, I would understand it,” she said.
Orban Blocks Loan for Ukraine: What We Know
Meanwhile, Hungary continues to block the provision of an EU loan to Ukraine. Recently, Orban stated that he would not lift the veto until Ukraine resumes the supply of Russian oil.
EU members are greatly outraged by Orban’s behavior. For instance, Sweden has openly stated its readiness to consider Article 7 of the EU Treaty — a mechanism to deprive Hungary of its voting rights. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, called the behavior of the Hungarian Prime Minister “unacceptable.” However, despite the criticism, there are those who have come to Orban’s defense.
After the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the EU will provide Ukraine with a loan of 90 billion euros “one way or another,” despite Hungary’s blocking. This hope was also expressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
