"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s repeated vetoes against support for Ukraine, and sanctions against Russia, is paralysing Europe at a time of war and global geopolitical instability. What was once dismissed as an annoyance has become a direct threat to our European security. One government must not be allowed to hold the EU hostage. The EU must urgently end unanimity in the Council of the European Union on foreign affairs. The Ukrainians are not only protecting their freedom; they are protecting ours too. The vast majority of European countries want to support Ukraine and impose further sanctions on Russia. Our collective security depends on it’, said Vula Tsetsi, European Green Party Co-Chair.
'European citizens are clear: they expect more from Europe on security and defence. The latest Eurobarometer shows strong public demand for a stronger EU role in protecting its people. Yet, while citizens are calling for a stronger Europe, Hungary has been abusing its veto power to extract concessions or weaken common positions. Such tactics send the wrong signal on the anniversary of Russia’s horrific four-year-long aggression against Ukraine”, said Ciarán Cuffe, Co-Chair of the European Green Party.
Background
The 20th sanctions package against Russia was blocked by the Hungarian government today, 23 February 2026, at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
The 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine was blocked on 20 February 2026, Friday, at Coreper II by the Permanent Representative of Hungary to the EU.
According to the latest European Parliament’s Eurobarometer survey, 89% of Europeans say EU Member States should be more united to face global threats like conflict, and 86% want the EU to have a stronger voice at the international level.
