EU leaders expressed confidence on December 15 that they would clear a large package of aid for Ukraine early in 2024, despite a veto by Hungary. All 27 EU states except Hungary agreed a day earlier to start accession talks with Ukraine despite its invasion by Russia. But Budapest has linked EU budget negotiations -- including 50 billion euros ($55 billion) in new aid for Ukraine -- with frozen EU funds for Hungary. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "It is now also necessary to work on potential alternatives to have an operational solution in case...unanimity is not possible."
EU, Von Der Leyen Seeking 'Potential Alternatives' On Ukraine Aid Amid Hungary Veto
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (file photo)