A threat to the European Peace Facility: EU countries’ positions on bypassing Hungary’s veto are divided.

France and Germany do not support an offered proposal to bypass Hungary’s veto, which would block the allocation of more than €6B in aid to Ukraine.

The European External Action Service has proposed allowing member states to contribute voluntarily to the European Peace Fund. This would enable aid to be directed solely by a decision by individual countries without the unanimous support of all EU members. However, some states, including France and Germany, have expressed concern about setting a precedent that could jeopardize the future of the EPF as a foreign policy tool. In addition, in some countries, voluntary contributions may require approval from national parliaments, adding another layer of complexity. So, it is currently unclear what support the proposed plan will receive in the EU.

It will be recalled that in March, the Council of the EU agreed to create the Ukraine Support Fund within the framework of the EPF, the funds from which are to go to member states to compensate for military supplies sent to Ukraine.