Finally, the leaders of the member states of the European Union (EU) met in Brussels to address a problem that seemed very difficult, but which was apparently solved in a few minutes.

Finally, the leaders of the 27 countries of the European Union (EU) agreed at the extraordinary summit, which takes place today (01 February 2024), to offer Ukraine a new financial support package of 50 billion Euros for its war-torn economy, despite Hungary's recent threats and oppositions.

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, announced at the summit he chaired in Brussels that they had reached agreement. "We have an understanding", C. Michel said in a social media post. He said the agreement they reached ensures a steady, long-term and predictable funding for Ukraine and demonstrats that "the EU is taking leadership and responsibility in supporting Ukraine, knowing what is at stake."

Rapidly adopting such a decision is clearly a surprise because Hungary has ceased to exercise its veto when adopting decisions within the framework of the extraordinary EU summit, which is in full swing in Brussels.

We say this because, when taking decisions at an EU level, we must recall that on the eve of the summit, the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, posted on X: "We will support the voice of the people! Even if the bureaucrats in Brussels are blackmailing us."

Furthermore, it is significant to emphasize here that for some time, V. Orbán has been objecting and opposing the financial aid package for Ukraine.

As expected, there were also strong reactions from the leaders of some EU member states. "There is no problem with the so-called fatigue in Ukraine. We have Orbán fatigue now in Brussels", Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters, adding: "I don't understand. I do not agree with this very strange and very selfish game V. Orbán plays."

It has become very clear that now V. Orbán, the leader of an EU member state, which has the closest ties with Russia, is angry at the European Commission's decision to freeze his government's access to some of the European bloc's funds. It can no longer be come as a surprise that V. Orbán outstreched the issue to NATO, blocking high-level meetings with Ukraine.

Moreover, we should not overlook the fact that Hungary is the only NATO member that has not yet approved Sweden's candidacy for the North Atlantic Alliance. "I don't want to use the word blackmail, but I don't know what better word" would fit, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas told reporters upon her arrival at EU headquarters in Brussels. "Hungary needs Europe," the Estonian official said, pointing to the country's own economic problems and high interest rates and urging: "They should also look at what it means for Hungary to be in Europe."

In the same context, on the way to the meeting, several European leaders approached V. Orbán, accusing him of blackmail and playing political games that undermined support for Ukraine and its war-torn economy.

However, we should pay particular attention to the concern regarding the decline in public support pertaining to money investments in Ukraine, even though international analyses show that a full and final Russian victory could threaten the security of Europe.

D. Tusk insisted that: "there is no room for compromise when it comes to our principles, such as the rule of law. And there is certainly no room for compromise on the Ukraine issue." The recently elected Polish leader added referring to V. Orbán: "If his position dominates Europe, then Ukraine will definitely lose."

It is also worth noting the position adopted and expressed, in turn, by the Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, who said that it is important for the leaders of the EU member states to try to reach an agreement with the support of all 27 member states, and "one cannot leave without an agreement".