Poland, among other countries, has been waiting for months to receive EUR 450 million in reimbursements for weapons supplied to Kyiv.
"We still have EUR 6 billion blocked that we cannot use. I will look for a way to bypass the veto because this situation is unacceptable," Borrell stated.
The stalemate has persisted for nearly a year, initially due to Hungary's objections after Ukraine listed the Hungarian bank OTP as a "sponsor of war" for continuing business with Russia. Although Ukraine has since removed the bank from the list, Hungary has maintained its position, blocking the increase of the EPF.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has criticized the delays in military equipment deliveries from Europe, urging EU countries to accelerate their commitments.
"The time between the announcement of military aid and its actual provision is sometimes too long. We can't conduct military planning without knowing what we can count on," Kuleba said, adding that some promised Patriot systems have yet to be delivered.
Kuleba's concerns and requests are expected to be a focal point at today's informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. He is also likely to renew his call for the EU to lift restrictions on using Western long-range weapons against Russian territory. Borrell has signaled his support for Kuleba's appeal.
In a break from tradition, Thursday’s informal meeting takes place in Brussels instead of Hungary, the country currently holding the EU presidency. The decision was made by Borrell in response to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent visits to Russia and China, which have sparked outrage across Europe due to his comments questioning EU aid to Ukraine.
"We have to send a signal, even a symbolic one, that such behavior must have consequences," Borrell remarked last month.
While no formal decisions are expected at the meeting, the agenda includes discussions on Russia's war against Ukraine, the Middle East conflict in Gaza, and possible sanctions on several Israeli government ministers over attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinians. The situation in Venezuela following contested presidential elections is also set to be addressed.
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Source: IAR, PAP
