Meeting his 26 European counterparts on Thursday, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever couldn’t resist a dry jab: The EU, he noted, is starting to look like Belgium.
This was not meant as a compliment. Flemish Prime Minister, according to to three EU diplomats, said the 27-nation bloc was looking more and more like Belgium’s famously complex federal system – where deals can take months. or even years to cross the border.
It’s a sentiment that may start to sound familiar to EU leaders trying to catch Hungary’s. disobedient Prime Minister Viktor Orbán would (again) agree to a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine.
Orban too refusing to consent to the loan over a pipeline dispute with Kiev.
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the leaders via video call, Orbán wandered around. in the room, frustration boiled over, with European Council President António Costa bluntly calling Hungary’s position “unacceptable”, insisting the pipeline dispute is unrelated to the loan.
Behind the scenes, diplomats outline a possible logic that is taking over – or at least a shared hope.
In a first scenario, Orbán loses his upcoming elections in April and loan flows of 90 billion euros. Another would see him win, tensions cool, and he eventually gives the green light.
Either way, while many capitals are betting that time will solve the problem, they are not ready to hand him a political victory by forcing a showdown he could use on the campaign trail at home, two diplomats said.
So, for now, it looks like the leaders – and Ukraine – will have to wait.
Round up
Hopes in the elections in Hungary – EU leaders won’t say it out loud, but they now have a clear plan to overcome Viktor Orban’s blockade of a loan to Ukraine: Hungary’s upcoming elections. At a summit on Thursday, EU leaders failed to persuade the Hungarian prime minister to detach his veto of the 90 billion euro disbursement from his demand that Kiev resume shipments of Russian oil to the landlocked country. Read more.
‘Hamas or us’ – Turkey must decide whether to support EU-designated terrorist organization Hamas or stand with Europe, former European Commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas said. Euractiv in an exclusive interview. Read more.
The Commerce Committee approves the agreement with the US Parliament’s Trade Committee has scrapped last summer’s controversial trade deal with the US after months of hesitation fueled by fresh tariff threats from Washington. The measure removes tariffs on hundreds of US agricultural and industrial goods. A final plenary vote is now expected next week. Read more.
Emergency status of Ukrainians likely to be extended – The EU is considering whether to extend again the temporary residence and employment rights granted to Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn homeland. Originally intended as a short-term emergency measure, it could be extended into its sixth year. Read more.
All over Europe
Shein in – Online ultra-fast fashion retailer Shein will not be blocked in France, the Paris Court of Appeal said on Thursday, upholding an earlier court ruling on the matter. The French government requested a ban on Shein last November after child-like sex dolls were found for sale on the platform. Read more.
Tensions in Greenland – Denmark reportedly prepared to blow up its runways in Greenland amid fears the United States could try to seize the Arctic territory by force in January. According to the Danish national broadcaster Dr.Danish forces deployed to Greenland in January 2026 carried explosives intended to destroy the main airstrips at Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq to deny access to any incoming US military aircraft in a worst-case scenario. Read more.
Interest in joining the Bundeswehr grows – Germany recorded growing interest in its armed forces after the launch of its recruitment drive, with a 20% increase in applicants since last year, according to new figures from the defense ministry. The country wants to recruit about 100,000 additional active duty soldiers by 2035. Read more.
Meningitis risk ‘low’ after UK outbreak – A meningitis outbreak linked to a university nightclub in southeast England has left two dead and dozens infected, prompting alarm in the UK – although EU health authorities say the wider risk remains “very low”. Two people have died since the blast, linked to an incident at a Canterbury nightclub, was first reported at the weekend. Read more.
(vib, jp)
