MFA chief: Hungary "raises utmost irritation" by blocking EU decisions on Ukraine

According to the head of Polish diplomacy, Hungary's blockade of support for Ukraine was the most contentious point of Monday's meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.

"The fact that Hungary is blocking almost half of all EU decisions regarding Ukraine, above all they are blocking the 8th refund package for member states for aid delivered to Ukraine raises utmost irritation, also in Poland," he stressed.

He stated that Poland is entitled to a refund of 450 million euros. "When this money is transferred to the Polish Armed Forces modernization fund, the Polish Armed Forces will be able to purchase new equipment," he noted.

Sikorski was referring to the European Peace Facility (EPF), which has been financing arms purchases for Kyiv since the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine.

Member states make the purchases and can then apply for reimbursement from the EU budget. However, further tranches of funds for the EPF must be unanimously approved by EU countries.

"We call on Hungary to find another way to resolve their bilateral issues with Ukraine," the minister said.

He pointed out that the EU principle of unanimity in this case means that Poland cannot pursue its national interest.

"I hope that our nationalists, ideological allies of Fidesz and Orban, will reconsider their position," he added.

The MFA chief also said that it would be a good idea if accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova began during the Belgian EU Council presidency, before Hungary takes over on July 1.

"It is clear that we cannot count on excessive goodwill from Hungary," he said.