German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sharply criticised Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for continuing to block billions of euros in European Union aid to Ukraine, describing the move as an “act of blatant ingratitude and lack of solidarity”.
Speaking after an European Council summit in Brussels on Thursday, the German Chancellor said there was broad agreement among EU leaders that the situation was unacceptable.
“We all agree that what happened today at the European Council cannot be accepted,” Merz said following talks between the heads of state and government of the EU’s 27 member states. “And this will have consequences that go far beyond this individual event.”
Merz warned that Orbán’s stance would leave “deep marks” within the bloc, adding that even long-serving participants in EU summits were deeply angered by the Hungarian Prime Minister’s actions.
The dispute centres on Hungary’s continued obstruction of financial assistance packages intended to support Ukraine, a move that has increasingly strained relations within the EU.
Looking ahead, Merz indicated that the issue could have wider implications, particularly in the context of upcoming negotiations over the EU budget.
“As part of the forthcoming budget planning, there will now need to be a fundamental discussion on this matter,” he said.
The remarks underscore growing tensions within the EU over support for Ukraine, as leaders grapple with maintaining unity on key foreign policy and financial commitments.