Baerbock criticizes Orban for vetoing decisions on Ukraine

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for vetoing European decisions regarding Ukraine.

This was reported by Politico.

In her comments to the press during a visit to Slovenia, Burbock responded to Orban's latest threats, which demand that the European Council leader not raise the issue of opening accession talks with Ukraine for discussion at the December summit of EU leaders. In addition, the Hungarian prime minister may block the decision on 50 billion in financial support for Ukraine.

According to Politico, there is no clear consensus among European diplomatists as to whether Orban will follow through on his threats or whether he is trying to blackmail Brussels into unblocking the payments to Hungary, which are being withheld because of questions about the rule of law in the country.

"There is no time for games now. If we are in a situation where peace in Europe is under threat, we must do everything we can every day and every hour to protect our people, and, moreover, to protect Ukrainians," Annalena Baerbock emphasized.

She added that the EU will do everything possible to enable Ukraine to take the next step in its European integration.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon echoed Baerbock's comments on Orban, saying that blackmail is unacceptable and that countries that have implemented the necessary reforms to get closer to the EU should not be held hostage to national politics.

Baerbock also criticized Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for trying to balance in the middle between the EU and Russia and for escalating tensions with Kosovo.

Author - Olena Madiak, 05/12/2023