During this week's Brussels summit, the political dynamics took an unexpected twist, leaving seasoned European summit observers astonished. The focal point of attention was Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, widely perceived as the closest ally to the Kremlin within the European Union.
As EU leaders convened for their final meeting before the Christmas break, speculations swirled around Orban's stance on crucial decisions regarding Ukraine. Given his reputation as the sole EU leader to meet face-to-face with Vladimir Putin this year, concerns loomed over whether Orban would obstruct the summit, particularly with his vocal threats to block key decisions related to Ukraine.
Rumors circulated that the negotiations might extend for days, potentially spilling into the weekend. The atmosphere was tense as leaders gathered, with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo setting a lighthearted tone, acknowledging the real threat posed by Russia and expressing readiness for negotiations.
During a festive lunch featuring Breton medallion, sole with root vegetables, and panettone, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a last-ditch plea via videoconference, invoking the historic aspirations of Ukrainians toward the European Union.
As the hours passed, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, signaling his commitment with a pullover over his suit, engaged in a pivotal one-on-one with Orban. The impasse in the negotiations regarding Ukraine's EU membership talks seemed insurmountable, standing at 26 against one.
In a strategic move, Scholz suggested Orban take a break for coffee, a plan that was later revealed to have been prearranged. The German chancellor's discreet maneuver allowed the remaining 26 leaders to proceed with an unopposed vote, securing Ukraine's EU membership process. The strategic coffee break, described by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as "interesting for the history book," proved to be a crucial loophole.
The elation in the press room was palpable when news broke about Ukraine's EU membership progress. Charles Michel, the meeting's chair, addressed journalists, emphasizing the historic nature of the moment and highlighting the strength of the European Union.
However, Viktor Orban, in a video posted on social media, denounced the decision as "completely senseless, irrational, and wrong." He justified his departure from the vote, claiming to have spent eight hours trying to dissuade other EU leaders from pursuing the decision.
Despite appearances, Orban's defiance became evident when, in the early morning hours, he used his veto powers to block a crucial decision on sending a €50 billion aid package to Kyiv. This marked the first instance of Orban preventing a unanimous EU agreement, drawing criticism from French President Emmanuel Macron, who urged Orban to act like a European and not hold political progress hostage.
Orban's political director, Balazs Orban, asserted that Hungary was not blackmailing the EU, contending that the EU should release €20 billion of frozen funds for Hungary related to human rights and corruption concerns.
While diplomatic tensions persisted behind the scenes, EU leaders expressed confidence in finding a solution to provide financial aid to Ukraine early next year. The EU is prepared to work around a Hungarian veto if necessary, exploring alternatives such as allowing other EU countries to provide bilateral funding to Ukraine in 2024 outside the EU budget.
In response to questions about changing Orban's stance on Ukraine, Charles Michel remained open to suggestions, underscoring the EU's commitment to standing with Kyiv amid the ongoing conflict on its doorstep.