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Slovakia, Hungary won't join 70 billion euro EU package sought by Ukraine, Fico says

Slovakia and Hungary will not participate in a new 70 billion euro EU funding package requested by President Zelensky to cover Ukraine's 2027 defense and resilience needs. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed the decision on October 16. While the EU has not yet reached a consensus on the request, France and other member states have indicated they will examine the funding. Slovakia and Hungary intend to let other EU member states provide support despite their own refusal to join the mechanism.

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  • ✓ President Zelensky requested 70 billion euros from EU leaders for Ukraine's 2027 defense and resilience needs.
  • ✓ Slovakia and Hungary will not join the 70 billion euro EU support package.
  • ✓ Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the decision on October 16.
  • ✓ Slovakia and Hungary will not block other EU member states from providing aid.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 10 independent reporting domains (95% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico formally announced that Slovakia and Hungary will not join the 70 billion euro aid package.

Live updates

  1. Slovakia and Hungary opt out of 70 billion euro EU aid package for Ukraine

    Slovakia and Hungary will not participate in a new 70 billion euro EU funding package requested by President Zelensky to cover Ukraine's 2027 defense and resilience needs. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed the decision on October 16. While the EU has not yet reached a consensus on the request, France and other member states have indicated they will examine the funding. Slovakia and Hungary intend to let other EU member states provide support despite their own refusal to join the mechanism.

    Why it matters

    Kyiv is facing a budget shortfall due to escalating Russian attacks. The requested funds are intended to sustain military and civilian infrastructure into 2027. Disagreement among member states complicates the EU's ability to provide a unified financial response.

    What is confirmed

    • President Zelensky requested 70 billion euros from EU leaders for Ukraine's 2027 defense and resilience needs.
    • Slovakia and Hungary will not join the 70 billion euro EU support package.
    • Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the decision on October 16.
    • Slovakia and Hungary will not block other EU member states from providing aid.
    • The EU has not yet reached a consensus on the funding request.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The EU will probably have to provide a new loan to Ukraine, according to Estonian PM Michal.
    • The Irish Taoiseach suggests Europe should consider all options to plug Ukraine's budget shortfall.

    What to watch next

    • EU consensus vote on the 70 billion euro funding mechanism
    • Official response from the European Commission regarding the budget shortfall
    • Specific terms of any potential new loans to Ukraine
    Sources used for this update (12)
    1. The Kyiv Independent — Slovakia, Hungary won't join 70 billion euro EU package sought by Ukraine, Fico says
    2. UNITED24 Media — Slovakia and Hungary Opt Out of New EU Aid Package for Ukraine
    3. Reuters — EU will probably have to give new loan to Ukraine, Estonian PM Michal says
    4. The Kyiv Independent — Austria slams Ukraine's opaque finances, with 'so many numbers swirling around'
    5. The Irish Times — Europe should consider ‘all options’ to plug Ukraine’s budget shortfall, Taoiseach says
    6. Kyiv Post — EU Backs €70B Request as Fico Rebuffs New Loan
    7. kyivindependent.com — Slovakia, Hungary won't join 70 billion euro EU package sought by Ukraine, Fico says
    8. www.france24.com — Live: ‘This is no time to withdraw’ support for Ukraine, EU’s Costa says - France 24
    9. www.europesays.com — Slovakia, Hungary won’t join 70 billion euro EU package ...
    10. volunteers.support — Fico: Slovakia won't join the €70 billion EU package for Ukraine
    11. united24media.com — Slovakia and Hungary Opt Out of New EU Aid Package for Ukraine
    12. www.europesays.com — Slovakia and Hungary Opt Out of New EU Aid Package for ...
    confidence 95%
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