Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU and other EU leaders were unable to persuade Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to lift his veto against a €90 billion loan to Ukraine during a summit in Brussels. Orbán's insistence on maintaining his blockade is tied to his demand for the resumption of Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline. Merz has labeled this as a 'gross act of disloyalty' and a serious breach of the mutual loyalty expected among EU member states, suggesting that it undermines the EU's operational capability and reputation.

In response to Orbán's stance, Merz threatened Hungary with potential consequences, asserting that such actions could not go unchecked. However, Verena Mayer, a correspondent for SZ covering Hungary and Austria, expressed concern that this backlash might actually play into Orbán's hands. The timing of his veto coincides with unfavorable polling for his Fidesz party, which is currently trailing behind challenger Péter Magyar ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12. Orbán's actions, then, could be seen as a deliberate strategy to rally support at home.

Experts believe that Orbán's decision to block the loan is not just about foreign policy but is also deeply connected to his domestic political landscape. As he grapples with public discontent reflected in the polls, a hardline stance in international affairs may resonate with his base. This situation highlights the intricate balance of national interests versus European unity, and how leaders like Orbán navigate these challenges to maintain their political power, even at the risk of straining international relations.