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The European Union has failed to agree a \u00a343billion package of aid Ukraine desperately needs to keep up its fight against Russia. Despite the bloc’s failure, EU leaders decided overnight on Thursday (December 14) to open accession negotiations with the war-torn country and Moldova.<\/p>\n
The aid was vetoed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in another tough blow to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Earlier this week, Ukraine’s leader failed to persuade US lawmakers to approve an extra \u00a347.7bn ($61bn) for Ukraine, which would have mainly been used to buy weapons from the United States.<\/p>\n
The start of EU accession talks was a momentous moment and stunning reversal for a country at war which had struggled to find the backing for its membership aspiration amid obstinate opposition from Mr Orban.<\/p>\n
Hungary’s leader decided not to veto Ukraine’s accession talks, but blocked the aid package. The decisions required unanimity among the EU’s members.<\/p>\n
European Council President Charles Michel said: “This is a historic moment, and it shows the credibility of the European Union. The strength of the European Union. The decision is made.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> David Cameron in Brexit U-turn as he admits he is ‘impressed’ at UK’s success<\/strong><\/p>\n Mr Michel, who was chairing the summit in Brussels, called the start of accession talks “a clear signal of hope” for the Ukrainian people and for Europe.<\/p>\n Although the process between opening negotiations and Ukraine finally becoming a member could take many years, Mr Zelensky welcomed the agreement as a victory for Ukraine and all of Europe. He said: “History is made by those who don\u2019t get tired of fighting for freedom.”<\/p>\n The financial package could not be endorsed after Mr Orban vetoed both the extra money and a review of the EU budget. Kyiv was counting on the funds to help its damaged economy survive in the coming year. Mr Michel said leaders would reconvene in January in an effort to break the deadlock.<\/p>\n Hungary’s leader warned before the summit that forcing a decision on Ukraine issues could destroy EU unity. Decisions on enlarging the EU and on a review of its long-term budget, which contains the billions in aid for Kyiv, must be unanimous among all 27 member countries.<\/p>\n Mr Orban had also threatened to veto the start of accession talks but ultimately rowed back.<\/p>\n Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called the opening of membership discussions a black eye for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said: “It is a very clear message to Moscow. Us Europeans, we don\u2019t let go of Ukraine.”<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Mr Orban said his opposition remained steadfast, but he decided not to use his veto because the 26 other nations were arguing so strongly in favour. Under EU rules, an abstention does not prevent a decision from being adopted.<\/p>\n An EU official, who insisted on not being quoted by name because the summit negotiations were private, said Mr Orban was “momentarily absent from the room in a pre-agreed and constructive manner” when the decision was made.<\/p>\n The leader of Hungary said he stepped aside since all his counterparts were committed to putting Ukraine on the EU membership path, though their position did not change his mind. He said: “Hungary\u2019s perspective is clear: Ukraine is not ready for us to begin negotiations on its EU membership.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s a completely illogical, irrational and improper decision.” Others praised Mr Orban’s gesture. They had been preparing for the summit spilling over into an extra day on Saturday. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said: “Certainly quicker than any of us expected.”<\/p>\n He added: “In fairness to Prime Minister Orban, he made his case, made it very strongly. He disagrees with this decision and he\u2019s not changing his opinion in that sense, but essentially decided not to use the veto power.”<\/p>\n
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