Hungary will block the confiscation of frozen assets of Russia for the Armed Forces - the media
About it reports DW with reference to a high -ranking European diplomat on the conditions of anonymity. According to the interlocutor of the publication, most EU member states share the opinion that funds confiscated from Russian assets should be used to purchase weapons and ammunition to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is noted that Ukraine now needs money for the purchase of weapons, and "not to restore", so all efforts are aimed at preventing further destruction in the country.
The European Commission's proposal states that 90% of income from frozen Russian assets should be directed to the purchase of weapons for the Armed Forces. However, according to the source, Hungary opposes this initiative, arguing that these funds should be used for anything except weapons for the Ukrainian military. According to the diplomat, another "contradictory issue" of the agenda will be a discussion about the expansion of the European Union.
The publication reminded that in December 2023 EU leaders supported the opening of negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova. To start negotiating, the EU Member States must approve the framework provided by the European Commission that determine the path to admission. And also hold an intergovernmental conference meeting, which is a specially created body that will directly manage the negotiations. Both of these decisions require unanimous support for all 27 European Union leaders.
However, according to the interlocutor of the publication, there is a high probability that these two decisions will not be made during the relevant summit. "There are Member States that oppose the opening of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova began for the Belgian presidency in the EU," he assures. According to the newspaper, Belgium's presidency in the EU will last until July 1, after which this role should be taken over Hungary.