European Council agrees to allocate EUR€18 billion aid for Ukraine despite Poland’s block
At a summit on Thursday, leaders of the European Union managed to overcome difficulties and agreed on providing Ukraine with EUR€18 billion of macro-financial aid in 2023.
This was reported by Rikard Jozwiak, editor for Europe of Radio Liberty, as European Pravda states.
"White smoke from the European Council: four economic and financial packages have been approved. 18 billion for Ukraine, two packages for Hungary, and the minimum corporate tax rate plan," Jozwiak posted on his Twitter.
On 9 November, the European Commission proposed an unprecedented support package for Ukraine of up to EUR€18 billion for 2023. This assistance will be provided in the form of concessional loans, which will be disbursed in regular instalments starting from 2023.
However, there were amendments to this proposal because of Hungary’s veto.
Hungary eventually bargained with Brussels for the unblocking of some funds blocked because of issues with the rule of law and lifted its veto on Monday.
However, Warsaw expressed last-minute reservations on Monday at a meeting of the EU Ambassadors. Poland refused to support the package deal on providing Ukraine with EUR€18 billion support, as well as two decisions regarding Hungary because of the concern about a separate minimum corporate tax rate plan.
It is not yet known how Poland was convinced to give up its resistance.
Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
