Kallas: Discussions on Hungary Unblocking €6.6 Billion for Ukraine Support Continue

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that discussions regarding Hungary unblocking the payment of 6.6 billion euros from the European Peace Facility to EU member states for military support to Ukraine are still ongoing. She could not provide specific timelines for resolving this issue.

Kallas made this statement on Monday upon arriving at an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Cyprus. She noted that the presence of a new Hungarian minister signifies progress in unblocking the 6.6 billion euros in the European Peace Facility. «So today we are also discussing how to use these funds. As you know, the initial idea was to get reimbursement for contributions to share the burden. But, of course, the question now also arises whether we should focus more on providing aid to Ukraine or on actually reimbursing those contributions that have already been made,» Kallas explained.

She added that a compromise idea had been put forward for discussion. «This issue is very fresh. We have submitted this proposal, member states must agree on it, and then we can move forward, so I cannot predict the timeline,» Kallas emphasized.

Through the European Peace Facility, EU countries receive compensation for weapons and military equipment transferred to Ukraine. The fund has financed supplies of artillery systems, ammunition, missiles, air defense systems, armored vehicles, fuel, medical equipment, and other gear for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Earlier, media reported that the new Hungarian government had lifted its veto on partial reimbursement to EU countries for the cost of weapons sent to Ukraine within the framework of the European Peace Facility. However, on June 4, a European Commission spokesperson did not confirm the information about Hungary unblocking 6.6 billion euros from the European Peace Facility.