Germany's Scholz: 'Friendly Union Proposal' Suggests Orban to Make Room for Ukraine Decision
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz suggested to Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban that he step out during a decision on Ukraine's EU membership discussion, terming it a "friendly Union proposal." Scholz indicated at an EU summit in Brussels that the decision challenges Putin's belief in diminishing support for Ukraine.
Scholz surprised attendees at the summit by persuading Orban not to block Ukraine's EU membership progression. He expressed optimism that EU countries will agree in January to a financial package for Ukraine, which Orban had previously stalled.
Should Orban not agree at an upcoming summit, Scholz assured that alternative support measures for Ukraine are available. He firmly stated that no compromises on rule-of-law concerns would be made to unlock EU funds for Hungary as a trade-off for supporting EU's Ukraine policy.
French President Emmanuel Macron also remained hopeful about reaching an agreement with Hungary, emphasizing that the EU budget review extends beyond just Ukrainian aid and that Orban has significant reasons to reach a consensus.