European leaders are no longer relying on Hungary to go along with key policy positions on Ukraine. But that doesn't mean Budapest can't still cause problems,
Politico reports.
Presidents and prime ministers from across the bloc met in Brussels on Thursday to sign off a raft of new commitments, from economic competitiveness to financial markets.
But by far the thorniest issue, as always, is delivering support to Ukraine — with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán consistently opposing any efforts to step up military aid or progress the country's application to become a European Union member.
Rules that normally require all 27 EU countries to agree on a joint statement for it to be issued on behalf of the European Council were firmly in the crosshairs two weeks ago, when he attempted to derail proposals for Europe to fill the gap left by an American aid cutoff for Kyiv.
Then though, a text agreed by the remaining 26 countries was appended to the other resolutions, which were unanimously agreed. And while Hungary opted out, it was still issued as a formal European Council conclusion. That tactic seems to be working and diplomats told POLITICO they intend to use it again.
"The statement on Ukraine today will be issued as an annex on behalf of the 26," said one senior EU diplomat, granted anonymity to discuss Thursday's closed-door talks. "This is the new normal. And it is useful when it comes to political intent. Maybe down the line though we will encounter other problems."
Meanwhile, a top EU official added, Hungary's objections are being priced in — and quickly ignored.
"After March 6, no one has any doubts that there is divergence with one member state. The objective should always be to have conclusions at 27 — if it’s not possible, if the strategic division is maintained, and we have all the indications that it is maintained, that we would move forward at 26," the official said.
European leaders scored a major win at the last European Council earlier this month when they secured the support of Slovakia’s Robert Fico, splitting him off from joining forces with Hungary.
