Michael Gahler, CDU MEP and member of the European People’s Party (EPP) group, gives a speech in the European Parliament, dressed in Ukrainian colors.
Hungary and Slovakia’s blockade of financial aid to Ukraine is an absolute disgrace, says CDU MEP Michael Gahler. In response to the German politician’s statement, political director Balázs Orbán called on the EPP to do more to promote the interests of European citizens.
In response to the blockade of the Druzhba pipeline, which based on reliable government information is a political decision by Ukraine, Hungary has decided to block the 20th sanctions package and the €90 billion loan package until oil transport via the pipeline resumes.
Hungary’s and Slovakia’s blocking of financial aid for Ukraine is a total disgrace in light of the suffering of Ukrainians. We will not allow this veto to last, and we will find ways to overcome it, says @gahler_michael.#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/aqNlQKLKzI
— EPP Group (@EPPGroup) February 24, 2026
In a post on X, CDU MEP Michael Gahler sharply criticized Hungary and Slovakia, calling their behavior “an absolute disgrace” in light of the suffering of Ukrainians. As the member of the European People’s Party faction wrote, “we will not allow this veto and will find ways to overcome it.”
“Describing the national interest as a ‘disgrace’ is precisely why Europeans are losing confidence in the Brussels elite,” political director Balázs Orbán responded to the German politician’s statement.
The EPP is siding with Ukraine, ignoring the position of sovereign EU Member States and the interests of their citizens,”
he emphasized, adding that Hungary would defend its national interests together with Slovakia and would not allow itself to be pressured or blackmailed.
“Defending national interests is now a ‘shame’? No wonder confidence in the Brussels elite is collapsing,” writes the parliamentary secretary of state in the Prime Minister’s Office in response on X. In Balázs Hidvéghi’s view, the real shame would be to bypass elected governments because they refuse to simply rubber-stamp Brussels’ war agenda.
Defending national interests is now a “disgrace”? No wonder trust in the Brussels elite is collapsing. The real disgrace is trying to override elected governments for refusing to rubber-stamp Brussels’ war agenda. https://t.co/3MYMFW1gAf
— Hidvéghi Balázs (@BalazsHidveghi) February 26, 2026
A survey by the Sovereignty Protection Office shows that the majority of the European population is losing confidence in the Brussels leadership. As we reported, the European Commission’s intentions do not meet the expectations of Europeans. The opinion poll covering 27 countries shows that the majority of respondents (51%) see the European Union’s centralization efforts as a threat to national self-determination and that 77% of citizens would prefer to live in a Europe based on cooperation between independent, equal nations.
‼️Calling national interest a “disgrace” is exactly why Europeans are losing trust in the Brussels elite.‼️
The EPP sides with Ukraine while ignoring the position of sovereign EU member states and the interests of their citizens.
🇭🇺 Hungary, together with Slovakia, will stand… https://t.co/4FFZ7msodh
— Balázs Orbán (@BalazsOrban_HU) February 26, 2026
Hungary has every right to take appropriate countermeasures if its energy security is threatened in order to exert political pressure. As minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás emphasized at yesterday’s press conference, Ukraine’s decision to close the oil pipeline was not only a political decision, but also constitutes a violation of its legal obligations under the Association Agreement with the EU. It would therefore be entirely reasonable to expect Brussels and the European Commission to side with Hungary and Slovakia on this issue.
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Foreign Minister Complains about EU Commission’s Refusal to Back Hungary in Oil Dispute
Kaja Kallas pointed out that Hungary’s veto affects not only the 20th package of sanctions, but also the €90 billion loan for Ukraine.Continue reading
Featured image: Laurie DIEFFEMBACQ © European Union
