Slovakia to allow €90B EU loan for Ukraine while opposing new Russia sanctions

He stressed that Slovakia wants to receive a “clear, transparent and verified statement” on the restoration of operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Earlier, Slovak government representatives said they would support sanctions against Russia if they do not harm Slovakia’s interests.

At the same time, according to Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, blocking sanctions is not related to the issue of the EU loan for Ukraine. He also noted that Hungary’s future government is ready to support the allocation of the EU loan.

The loan had previously been blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who lost the election. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, for his part, said he intends to take his place.

Euractiv reported that Orbán’s election defeat in Hungary does not automatically mean the unblocking of the EU’s €90 billion loan for Ukraine. The process may still be slowed by Slovakia’s position, internal EU procedures and the time needed to form a new government in Budapest.

Brussels does not expect a quick disbursement of funds to Kyiv despite Péter Magyar’s victory. The outlet noted that the change of power in Hungary alone does not remove all political and technical obstacles to approving the funding.

On Dec. 19, 2025, EU leaders approved joint financing of a €90 billion loan for Ukraine over the next two years. Under the agreement, Hungary, Czechia and Slovakia are not obliged to participate in the program.

Later, Viktor Orbán breached the agreement and blocked the loan, pressuring Ukraine and demanding the restoration of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which was damaged in a Russian attack in January. Hungary and Slovakia had received Russian oil through the pipeline.