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EU Faces Loan Stalemate for Ukraine Amid Member Disputes

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the EU to release a stalled €90 billion loan for Ukraine, blocked by Hungary ahead of elections, to maintain unity against Russia through 2027.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico defended Hungary's stance and suggested Slovakia could block the loan, citing Kyiv's slow Druzhba repair and claiming halting Russian oil supplies harms energy security.
Brussels is considering measures to allow aid without unanimous consent from member states.

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Story summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the EU to release a stalled €90 billion loan for Ukraine, blocked by Hungary ahead of elections, to maintain unity against Russia through 2027.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico defended Hungary's stance and suggested Slovakia could block the loan, citing Kyiv's slow Druzhba repair and claiming halting Russian oil supplies harms energy security.
Brussels is considering measures to allow aid without unanimous consent from member states.