EU Nears Signing off on 90bn Ukraine Loan Amid Hungary’s Reluctance Shifts
Updated: April 22, 2026
The European Union is poised to put an end to months of delays as member states are set to approve a critical €90 billion loan for Ukraine. The move comes at a time when Ukraine has taken a significant step in reviving its oil exports. The country has already begun pumping oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Deliveries to Slovakia will resume on Thursday, marking a positive development. The approval by EU members is seen as a significant step in supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The decision has been a long time coming, with Hungary being a major obstacle. Budapest previously vetoed the proposed loan, citing environmental and corruption concerns. However, the incoming Hungarian government, led by Péter Magyar, appears to have shifted its stance on the issue.
The move could have broader implications for EU relations, particularly between Hungary and Slovakia. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico recently criticized the incoming Hungarian government, raising questions about the future of the two countries’ partnership. Fico, a close friend of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has often found common ground with him on energy issues.
Orbán and Fico have collaborated on several energy projects, but it remains unclear whether this partnership will continue with the new Hungarian government in place. The situation highlights the uncertainty that lies ahead in EU politics.
Meanwhile, the approval of the €90 billion loan would be a significant boost to Ukraine, which has been relying heavily on international aid to combat its financial struggles. Ukraine has seen significant economic losses due to Russia’s invasion.
The EU’s decision to approve the loan comes as European leaders are scheduled to meet this morning to discuss ongoing issues, including the Ukraine loan. The meeting could bring much-needed clarity to the situation and pave the way for further cooperation between EU members.
In a further development, the Slovak government has announced that oil deliveries to Slovakia will resume on Thursday. This could bring a much-needed boost to the local economy, which has been struggling to cope with the loss of Russian oil supplies.
The EU’s decision to approve the loan would be a significant step towards supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The EU's approval of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine signals a shift in the bloc's stance on the ongoing conflict. The decision marks a significant step towards supporting Ukraine's economic recovery and could have broader implications for EU politics, particularly in relations between Hungary and Slovakia.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
