European Union leaders launch a new aid package for Ukraine worth more than 50 billion euros after Hungary expressed its disapproval.
Foreign news agencies reported that on Thursday, February 1, 2024, the leaders of all 27 EU member states voted unanimously. An agreement to issue a new aid package for Ukraine worth 50 billion euros (about 1.92 trillion baht) has been approved after Hungary's leaders previously tried to block the approval of this budget.
The package will provide Ukraine with financial assistance to pay pensions, wages and other expenses over the next year.
News of the approval of the new package, which requires a unanimous vote. This was achieved less than two hours after the EU leaders met, surprising many observers who expected the talks to last longer. Due to disagreements between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other European Union leaders.
Earlier, Orban, who is Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in the European Union, said that he wants to force the European Union to review its policy on Ukraine. It raised questions about the European Union's promise to provide assistance to Ukraine over the next four years.
As for Reuters, the report quoted a news source as saying: The new European Union agreement stipulates this, and this aid package will be discussed and voted on annually. This is what Mr Orban has been pushing for. It will give them the opportunity to exercise their veto power to refuse to issue funds to Ukraine every year.
There is also the option to reconsider the scholarship package if necessary. Two years later too.
However, Ms. Ursula von Er Leyen, President of the European Commission sent a message on X: Today is a good day for Europe. President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked EU leaders and said the package would help strengthen the country's long-term financial and economic stability.
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