EU leaders propose annual debates on Ukraine aid to win over Hungary

European Union leaders will propose on Thursday holding an annual debate on a planned 50 billion euro ($54 billion) aid package for Ukraine in an effort to overcome opposition from Hungary, according to draft summit conclusions, reported from Reuters.

Hungary, which cultivates close ties with Moscow, has been pushing for an annual review that would give it a right to veto the disbursements every year. This goes against the idea of predictable funding and other EU countries reject it, but if the money is to come from the EU budget, it requires unanimity among the 27 EU countries, so Hungarian consent is necessary.

In the latest version of the draft summit conclusions, seen by Reuters, EU leaders say they could hold yearly debates on how the EU money is being spent by Ukraine, based on reports by the European Commission.

This would not give Hungary a right to veto the money, but it could air concerns.

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