New Delhi: The European Union is reportedly poised to exert economic pressure on Hungary if Budapest continues to block fresh aid to Ukraine, according to a confidential plan disclosed by Brussels, as reported by the Financial Times on Sunday.Brussels srategy against HungaryIn a confidential document obtained by the Financial Times, Brussels has outlined a strategy aimed at targeting Hungarys economic vulnerabilities. The plan seeks to undermine Hungarys currency, exacerbate economic weaknesses, and sow doubt among investors, with the goal of impacting jobs and growth should Budapest persist in its veto on aid to Kyiv.Viktor Orbans stanceHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his confrontations with the EU during his 13-year tenure, has emerged as a vocal critic of the EUs backing of Ukraine. Orban has openly expressed his alignment with the Kremlin, particularly since Russias military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022.EUs contingency planThe document obtained by the Financial Times suggests that if no agreement is reached during the February 1 summit, other EU heads of state and government will publicly express their disapproval of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans stance. They may declare that, given Budapests uncooperative behaviour, EU funds cannot be allocated to Hungary.Hungarian responseHungarys EU minister Janos Boka responded to the reported financial threat by stating that Budapest was not previously aware of such measures. Boka asserted that Hungary remains steadfast and resolute, refusing to yield to external pressure tactics.As tensions escalate between Hungary and the European Union over the issue of aid to Ukraine, the forthcoming summit promises to be a critical juncture in determining the course of EU-Hungary relations.Meanwhile, the USA also recently announced that they are done with the aid being provided to Ukraine. This was the first instance in which Biden administration went to the monthly meeting without money. The meeting is done between 50 nations who coordinate financial aid to Ukraine.
