The annual pre-Christmas summit of the heads of state and government of the European Union is particularly concerned with further financial aid for Ukraine, which is being attacked by Russia. Economic aid worth 50 billion euros is being discussed for the next four years. The summit is also about the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and neighboring Moldova.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is threatening to veto the decisions. He calls for a “strategic dialogue” about Europe’s support for Kiev.
Estonian Prime Minister Kallas told AFP that she expected a “very difficult summit”. “We have a lot of issues that are still open and we have to reach an agreement. We have to reach an agreement on the 50 billion for Ukraine.”
That would also be an important “message” to the USA, where the opposition Republicans are currently blocking additional military aid for Ukraine called for by President Joe Biden. If the EU decides on new aid to Ukraine, the USA would “hopefully” follow, said Kallas.
