If oil begins flowing again through the Druzhba pipeline, Péter Magyar stated that Viktor Orbán should remove his «technical veto» on the €90 billion loan for Ukraine. Brussels is already preparing to initiate the first disbursement.
Péter Magyar, the victor of the Hungarian elections and the country’s future prime minister, urged Viktor Orbán to withdraw his disputed veto on the €90 billion loan for Ukraine before stepping down in May.
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The funding arrangement was approved by the 27 European Union leaders in December, yet Orbán exercised his veto in mid-February to halt the legal process due to an unrelated disagreement with Kyiv over the Druzhba pipeline, which transports cost-effective Russian oil.
This conflict was a central theme in Orbán’s unsuccessful re-election bid.
«Viktor Orbán agreed to the loan (in December), and during the election campaign he stated that without oil, there would be no funds,» Magyar explained on Wednesday in his initial interview with Hungarian public media since 2024 began.
Magyar cited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent statement, indicating the pipeline might be repaired «not fully, but sufficiently to operate» by month-end. The facility suffered extensive damage in January from Russian drone attacks.
The resumption of oil flow will be «crucial for our nation,» Magyar noted, highlighting his intention to maintain Russian oil purchases shortly.
«The Orbán administration remains in office for the next 30 days,» Magyar remarked.
«Therefore, if Druzhba recommences, I anticipate Viktor Orbán will lift his technical veto.»
Only one part of the €90 billion loan—a budget amendment requiring unanimous consent—remains pending approval. In theory, Orbán could instruct his Brussels ambassador to revoke the veto at any moment, finalizing the legislative process.
Nonetheless, it is uncertain whether Orbán, who positioned Zelenskyy as a campaign adversary, will permit this before leaving his post in May.
The European Commission is promptly preparing to execute the first payment to Kyiv once the impasse is resolved. It holds a reserve of borrowed funds and is merely awaiting official authorization.
On Tuesday, the Commission confirmed that its proposal to send an external inspection team to the Druzhba pipeline, with repair costs covered by EU funds to appease Orbán, remains valid post-election. (The inspection has yet to be conducted.)
«We obviously expect all EU leaders, and all member states, to honor their pledges,» stated a Commission spokesman.
After a sharp conflict with Orbán over his «unacceptable» veto, government capitals are eager to move forward and put this episode behind them.
Speaking alongside Zelenskyy on Tuesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that the military financing under the loan «must be released swiftly.»
«Ukraine has an urgent need for these funds. They will support Ukraine’s long-term defense efforts. Russia should take this message seriously,» Merz asserted.
Zelenskyy voiced a similar sentiment, expressing confidence that under Magyar’s leadership, Hungary would cease obstructing «crucial» decisions benefiting Ukraine.
«I am convinced we will collaborate closely with Hungary. Our peoples share good relations. As neighbors, this relationship will continue,» Zelenskyy stated.
«I believe our partnership should be grounded in pragmatism. Friendly ties can also be built upon agreements and treaties. This will reinforce both nations.»
Beyond the loan, Hungary, alongside Slovakia, currently blocks the 20th sanctions package against Russia. It also impedes Ukraine’s accession process and withholds €6.6 billion in military assistance under the European Peace Facility (EPF).