‘Unacceptable’: Costa Slams Orbán’s Block While Rebuking Zelensky’s Tone at EU Summit

European Council President António Costa slammed Hungary’s Viktor Orbán for blocking a €90 billion loan for Ukraine — and also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — during a tense EU summit in Brussels on March 19.

An EU official told Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) correspondent that Costa called Orbán’s behavior “unacceptable,” accusing him of holding up key aid for Kyiv.

Leaders spent about 90 minutes discussing Ukraine on Thursday before a video call with Zelensky. During the closed-door talks, Orbán spoke twice, again pushing to restart the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Costa hit back, saying Hungary was breaking basic EU rules of cooperation. He also said Ukraine had agreed to work with the EU on energy commitments after talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

But Costa also criticized Zelensky, saying some of his past comments were “inappropriate in tone” and not helpful – remarks that partly defended Orbán.

Leaders later spoke with Zelensky and approved general conclusions on Ukraine, but failed to agree on releasing the first part of the loan.

Pressure Builds on Hungary

The clash comes as Orbán escalates his fight with the EU over the same €90 billion ($103.5) package for Kyiv. He had earlier backed the loan but is now threatening to veto it.

Diplomats say the move has “crossed a red line,” with frustration rising fast in Brussels. Some countries are now considering tough steps, including cutting EU funds or even suspending Hungary’s voting rights.

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“This cannot continue,” one senior diplomat said.

Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, warned Hungary its actions “can no longer be tolerated,” according to diplomats.

Costa had already signaled a tougher stance, warning Hungary it could face legal consequences for breaking EU cooperation rules.

For now, the EU is holding back – partly because of Hungary’s upcoming election, where Orbán faces a strong challenge from Péter Magyar.

But officials say a showdown is coming soon.

EU leaders now face a choice: confront Orbán and risk a public veto fight – or delay the loan and hold up urgent aid for Ukraine.