Posted 12/17/2023, 4:42:49 PM
Hungary Blocks Ukraine Aid Package, Raising Fears of Orban's Growing Disruptive Influence in EU
- Hungary, led by PM Viktor Orban, blocked a $52 billion aid package to Ukraine using its veto power in the EU
- Orban has embraced the veto as a "disruptive weapon" to shape EU policy and engage in "extortion and blackmail"
- There are growing fears Orban wants to "destroy the EU from within" by paralyzing decision-making and remaking the EU in Hungary's illiberal image
- Orban has become increasingly isolated since Poland elected a more pro-EU government, but he still wields power through Hungary's veto
- If right-wing populists do well in 2023 EU parliamentary elections, more countries could align with Orban's anti-Ukraine stance