The EU will help repair the Druzhba pipeline. This was announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in a press release.
The EU is now trying to resolve the week-long blockade that Hungary and Slovakia have implemented against Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia are blocking both the 20th package of sanctions against Russia and a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine.
The two countries justify the blockade by saying that Ukraine has not repaired the Druzhba pipeline so that Hungary and Slovakia can once again receive oil from Russia. The EU is now stepping in to try to have the pipeline repaired as soon as possible.
- The EU has offered technical assistance and financing. The Ukrainian side has received and accepted this offer. European experts are available immediately, the press release states.
The blockade by Hungary and Slovakia has caused deep frustration in Brussels over the past few weeks. Ukraine desperately needs money from April. The deadline for payments is now fast approaching.
EU expects support in return for reparations
Hungary and Slovakia themselves gave the green light to the 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine at the EU summit in December. This was on the condition that the two countries - along with the Czech Republic - would not default on the loan if Ukraine could not pay. It now falls to the other 24 EU countries - including Denmark - to repay the loan if Ukraine could not.
The two Eastern European EU countries have defended themselves by saying that they do not have a coastline and are therefore dependent on Russian oil through the pipeline, which has been damaged by suspected Russian attacks.
- Our priority is to ensure the security of energy supply for all European citizens. In this context, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council will continue to cooperate with the parties concerned on alternative routes for the transport of non-Russian crude oil to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the press release states.
However, it is not hidden here that the EU in return expects support for new sanctions against Russia and the vital loan to Ukraine.
- This is also a necessary step to resume discussions on the much-needed financial support for Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package ahead of the European Council meeting, the press release states.
The last sentence could indicate that it is hoped that Hungary and Slovakia will give the green light to the sanctions and the loan to Ukraine at this week's EU summit in Brussels.
/ritzau/
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