Deal Reached On EUR50bn For Ukraine; EU To Review Each Yr, But No Veto

European Council President Charles Michel states that the 27 EU member states have reached an agreement on providing EUR50bn in aid to Ukraine from the EU's long-term budget. Claims that 'This locks in steadfast, long-term, predictible funding for Ukraine.'

• Tony Connelly at RTE posts on X: "Acc to the text, EU leaders will review the implementation of the Ukraine facility, with a debate annually - but no veto for Hungary each year, which was Orban's ask. The European Council can, in two years time, invite the Commission to review the budget funding for Ukraine"
• The deal came about in rapid quick time, with the deal announced as the summit got underway. A smaller meeting was held earlier involving European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Michel with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Hungary.
• There has been specualtion that the EU could offer Hungary the 'carrot' of unfreezing structural and COVID recovery funding in exchange for its support. This has been decried by liberals within the EU, saying that the Orban gov't continues to flout EU rule of law standards.
• For Ukraine, the promise of major EU funding is absolutely key to ensuring that its forces can continue to resist Russia's invasion for the foreseeable future. With one major blockage cleared, focus will turn to getting a support package passed in the US.