European Union leaders are scheduled to convene in Cyprus this evening to address developments in the Middle East and the upcoming EU budget beginning in 2028. However, the agenda may include a significant development: the approval of a long-delayed €90 billion loan for Ukraine and a new set of sanctions targeting Russia. These measures have been stalled for four months due to opposition from Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Following a political accord reached yesterday, the proposals are now undergoing a formal written approval process, expected to conclude by 1 p.m. Brussels time. Hungary and Slovakia have indicated they will cease their objections if Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline resume. Slovakia’s Economy Minister Denisa Sakova confirmed that deliveries restarted overnight, with a similar announcement anticipated from Hungary. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to attend the meeting in Cyprus to commemorate this achievement. In contrast, Orban, known for challenging EU unity, will not participate in what would have been his final summit for the time being, passing the record for longest-serving European Council member to Poland’s Donald Tusk. Additionally, attention will be on Prince Harry’s surprise trip to Kyiv and discussions between EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and U.S. officials regarding trade matters. This is the latest update for Thursday, April 23, 2026.
