According to a report by Politico, EU officials are searching for a compromise that would allow Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to save face before the upcoming elections in Hungary. This strategy aims to persuade Orbán to remove his veto against EU funding for Ukraine, which has become a pressing issue amidst Ukraine's financial crisis. The EU's position is precarious as they strive to find a resolution that does not escalate tensions with Hungary while simultaneously addressing Ukraine's urgent need for financial support.

One potential compromise mentioned is offering Orbán a symbolic victory relating to energy supply, specifically the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Eastern Europe. The prospect of resuming these oil supplies could serve as a sufficient concession to placate Orbán and enable him to justify the lifting of his veto in the eyes of his electoral base. However, such an offer raises concerns among EU diplomats who view it as an inadequate or dubious solution that undermines the EU's broader strategy concerning energy independence.

The implications of this negotiation are significant, not only for Hungary and Ukraine but for the EU as a whole. On one side, Kyiv is in a dire need of funds following the ongoing conflict, while on the other, the EU grapples with the ramifications of granting Orbán a political gift that could potentially embolden his nationalistic agenda. Thus, the EU remains caught in a delicate balancing act, navigating international diplomacy while ensuring that aid to Ukraine is unblocked in a manner that does not compromise its values or strategic objectives.