EU Overrules Hungary’s Arms Veto for Ukraine In a landmark move, the European Union has employed a legal loophole to override Hungary’s veto on an arms package for Ukraine. The decision marks a significant escalation in support for Kyiv amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. On Monday, the EU Foreign Affairs Council convened to discuss the much-anticipated eighth tranche of military aid for Ukraine, worth €500 million. However, Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, cast a lone veto against the proposal. Hungary’s justification for its veto was its opposition to sanctions against Russia that target Russian energy exports. Hungary is heavily dependent on Russian gas and oil, and Orbán has repeatedly expressed concerns about the potential impact of these sanctions on his country’s economy. Undeterred by Hungary’s stance, the EU activated a provision in the Treaty on European Union known as “constructive abstention.” This provision allows the remaining 26 member states to proceed with a decision despite the objections of one or more countries. To utilize constructive abstention, the EU must meet certain conditions, including a unanimous vote by all other member states and a determination that the decision is “necessary to safeguard the values of the Union.” After a lengthy debate, the EU Foreign Affairs Council concluded that the arms package for Ukraine meets these conditions. The Council unanimously voted in favor of overriding Hungary’s veto, with Budapest abstaining. The decision to override Hungary’s veto is a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The EU has played a vital role in coordinating international support for Kyiv, both financially and militarily. Hungary’s veto had put the EU in a difficult position, as it highlighted divisions within the bloc over how to respond to the Russian invasion. The EU’s ability to overcome this obstacle through legal means demonstrates its resilience and its determination to stand by Ukraine. The arms package approved by the EU includes a range of weapons and equipment, such as armored vehicles, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition. It is expected to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and help it continue to resist the Russian advance.The European Union (EU) has invoked a rarely used legal loophole to overturn Hungary’s veto on providing arms to Ukraine. The move comes after Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, blocked a proposal to send EU-funded weapons to Ukraine. Orbán has faced criticism for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The EU’s decision is based on a provision in the bloc’s treaties that allows for majority voting on foreign policy matters that have “important implications for the Union’s security.” The EU argued that providing arms to Ukraine met this criterion, as it would help to deter further Russian aggression and protect the EU’s borders. Hungary has condemned the EU’s decision, calling it a “violation of our sovereignty.” Orbán said that Hungary would not participate in the arms поставки and would consider legal action against the EU. The EU’s action is a significant escalation in the bloc’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is the first time that the EU has used majority voting to overturn a veto on a foreign policy issue. The move is likely to further strain relations between the EU and Hungary, which has been increasingly isolated within the bloc due to its authoritarian policies and close ties to Russia.