As Hungary continues to block €6 billion in EU aid for Ukraine, Germany and France have voiced doubts over a proposal to bypass Budapest’s veto, fearing it could fracture the EU’s foreign policy framework. The plan, introduced by the European External Action Service, suggests allowing voluntary contributions from member states to fund Ukraine’s defense. However, Berlin and Paris worry this workaround could undermine the European Peace Facility (EPF), a key mechanism for coordinated EU support.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has frequently aligned with Moscow, has stymied multiple EU initiatives on Ukraine, sparking frustration among allies. Yet, circumventing Hungary’s veto poses complications, as voluntary aid would require parliamentary approval in certain countries, potentially stalling aid and setting a precedent for bypassing EU consensus on foreign policy.
Germany and France’s resistance reveals the EU’s precarious balance between supporting Ukraine’s defense and maintaining unity within its ranks. While some nations support Ukraine through direct or NATO-backed aid, the EU’s diplomatic approach—requiring full consensus—now faces significant strain. As the EU scrambles to uphold its commitments to Ukraine, the debate spotlights deepening divides within the bloc, raising questions about the sustainability of a unified European foreign policy in times of crisis.
