The victory of Madyar and his “unblocking” of the decision do not affect some factors that are hindering financing
When Hungary officially withdraws its objection to providing a loan to Ukraine, Slovakia and Prime Minister Robert Fico will be in the way. In addition, there are other factors of European bureaucracy and lengthy paperwork.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing material from the Euractiv portal.
Read also: Hungary “cannot refuse” Russian oil: Madyar named the reason
Delays may last for weeks due to the positions of new players and old grievances from neighbors, the portal writes. Furthermore, it will take significant time for the new Prime Minister of Hungary, Peter Madyar, to form a new government.
Although the election winner has already confirmed that he will unblock Orbán’s decision. According to him, a decision on this matter was effectively made back in December at the level of the European Council.
However, it should be added that Madyar wants to clarify with the EU that Hungary will not finance Ukraine, although it does not oppose the loan itself:
“I don’t fully understand this. I am discussing it with European leaders. But personally, I agree that Hungary should refuse (to provide money at its own expense, – ed.).”
The factor of Slovakia and oil blackmail
The Hungarian veto is not the only problem. Enter Robert Fico from Slovakia, who may now try to play the role of Orbán. Bratislava depends on Russian oil, and the Druzhba pipeline runs through Ukraine. Fico promised to block the loan if supplies are not fully restored.
However, EU diplomats remain optimistic. Fico is a pragmatist and is easier to persuade than the ideological Orbán.
Will the Ukrainian economy withstand the delay
Volodymyr Zelensky is optimistic and stated that the repair of the oil pipeline will be completed “this spring.” This should alleviate Fico’s grievances.
Experts also do not see a catastrophe – Ukraine has a buffer. Money is needed, but the deficit is not critical right now.
Maxim Samoylyuk, an economist at the Center for Economic Strategy, believes that Kyiv will remain solvent until mid-July. Funds planned for the end of the year can be used for this. Dividends from state enterprises and military bonds will also help.
What else is known about the 90 billion loan to Ukraine
It was previously reported that Germany is counting on “very quick” 90 billion euros for Ukraine after Orbán’s defeat. Tomorrow, April 15, EU diplomats will discuss the best ways to expedite the flow of funds to Kyiv.
Moreover, the EU may also pressure Madyar himself. During Orbán’s time, Hungary had its loan frozen, so they may remind him that Hungary needs to implement reforms to receive its own loan of 35 billion.
A quick resolution regarding the unblocking from Hungary may also be influenced by Madyar’s meeting with Zelensky. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has already “sent signals to Hungary” about the imminent contacts between the two leaders.
