Slovakia, Hungary won't join 70 billion euro EU package sought by Ukraine, Fico says

The decision was conveyed by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who told reporters the two countries would opt out of the new fund. The package, described in multiple outlets as a “new EU aid package for Ukraine,” is intended to address Ukraine’s budget shortfall but will proceed without the backing of the two Central European states. Coverage of the split comes from a range of European and Ukrainian sources. United24 Media headlined the opt‑out, while The Kyiv Independent reproduced Fico’s statement and also reported on Austria’s criticism of Ukraine’s “opaque finances” and the comment that “so many numbers swirling around.” Reuters focused on the broader financing picture, quoting Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Michal as saying the EU will probably need to issue a new loan to Kyiv.

The Irish Times added that Ireland’s Taoiseach urged Europe to consider “all options” to plug the shortfall. The call for “all options” reflects growing pressure on the bloc as member states weigh fiscal commitments against domestic priorities. Austria’s remarks about financial opacity, as reported by The Kyiv Independent, underscore concerns about the transparency of Ukraine’s budgeting process. At the same time, Estonia’s prime minister, cited by Reuters, signalled that a fresh EU loan could become necessary if the current funding gap persists.

Future reporting will need to track whether the EU moves forward with a new loan, as hinted by Estonia’s leader, and how other member states respond to the shortfall and the opt‑out. Observers will also watch for any further statements from the Irish Taoiseach or Austrian officials that could shape the negotiation dynamics. The evolution of Ukraine’s financing plan, the EU’s collective response, and the positions of non‑participating countries will together determine the next steps of the €70 billion aid effort.