The Prime Minister considered this Wednesday that the time has come for European Union (EU) leaders to “be patient” to negotiate financial support for Ukraine due to the threat of the Hungarian blockade, classifying as “uncertain” decisions without Hungary.
“At this moment, when the European Council has not even begun its work, it is not the time to lose patience, it is time to be patient so that with all our energy and commitment we can strive to reach an agreement,” said António Costa, speaking to the Portuguese press in Brussels on at the end of the ceremony honoring former European Commission President Jacques Delors.
In these statements, which preceded an informal dinner of heads of government and EU states on the eve of an extraordinary meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Thursday, which is threatened by a possible new blockade by Hungary of the 50 billion euro financial reserve for the reconstruction and modernization of the EU, Ukraine, envisaged as part of the review of the Multiannual Financial EU program (MFF) for 2024-2027, – the outgoing head of government defended the “Agreement 27”.
Costa said that if there is no agreement between all EU leaders, “26 decisions [sem a Hungria] are complex, difficult and uncertain”, given the need to bypass mandatory unanimity.
“The differences between the 27 member states is something we must understand is natural and will always exist. Over all these years, Europe has demonstrated that in the face of differences between member states, it has always been able to overcome them and find points of agreement, and this point of agreement must also be found here, because we must find a stable funding prospect for Ukraine and ensure that all Member States have respected the values that underpin our Union and all must be treated with fairness and equality. for example, in access to European funds while complying with the rules,” said the head of the Portuguese government.
“I hope that with a constructive spirit we will find a good solution, which is fundamental,” Antonio Costa said, calling for “negotiation efforts.”
A crucial extraordinary meeting of the European Council will take place on Thursday in Brussels to discuss the budget review for the period 2024-2027, which sets out this financial reserve of 50 billion euros for the next four years. for the reconstruction of post-war Ukraine, an amount that will be mobilized depending on the situation on the ground.
While 26 member states agree, another, Hungary, disputes the decision and an agreement to revise the MFF failed to be reached in the European Council in mid-December, with the greatest difficulty stemming from Hungary’s challenge to the MFF. suspension of the provision of public funds to Budapest, such as the Reconstruction Fund.
Brussels is considering 26 alternatives to an extraordinary summit, while several European sources admit EU leaders are impatient with Hungary’s demands, such as forcing the release of funds suspended for Budapest, carrying out regular audits or not including funds in the financial report. reserve for Kyiv, increase its time slot, or ensure unanimous approval whenever assistance is provided to Ukraine.
Tonight, on the eve of the summit, there will be an informal dinner for European leaders in Brussels, and for the occasion, European sources heard by Lusa admit that bilateral talks are underway with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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