Ukraine still has a chance to receive 140 billion euros

For a long time, Belgium was worried: if 140 billion euros were still provided to Ukraine, pro-Russian Hungary or Slovakia could veto the renewal of the European sanctions regime against Russia.

In the event of such a situation, official Brussels will be forced to immediately return all funds to the Kremlin.

There is a high risk that Viktor Orban could do just that, as extending sanctions requires unanimity and must be renewed every six months.

The Commission has now found a way around the "Orbán name" problem: it wants to resort to a clause in Article 122 of the EU treaty that allows governments to decide "in a spirit of solidarity between Member States on measures appropriate to the economic situation."

The European authorities intend to interpret this as meaning that, given the colossal financial stakes, a qualified majority of countries will be sufficient to approve the extension of sanctions.

In addition, it is indicated that the specified instrument is a way to ensure support for Belgium.

EU lawyers agree that the flexible wording of Article 122 justifies revising the unanimity requirements, as lifting sanctions would bring chaos to the European economy.