Germany issues warning to EU nations
(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that Germany may support halting EU funding for Hungary and Slovakia if they continue to resist the bloc’s sanctions against Russia. Both nations have criticized Western approaches to the Ukraine conflict and have advocated for more neutral or pro-dialogue policies.
The warning comes after Merz authorized Ukraine to use German-supplied long-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia—a move condemned by the Kremlin as a major provocation.
Referring to potential legal action, Merz said EU member states that violate the rule of law could face proceedings that might lead to the suspension of financial support. He emphasized that EU decisions cannot be obstructed by a “small minority,” suggesting harsher consequences could follow if unity within the bloc is not maintained.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have both argued that ongoing EU support for Ukraine merely prolongs the war without achieving a resolution. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt in May 2024 by a pro-Ukraine activist, has since doubled down on a more pragmatic approach toward Russia, including cutting military aid to Kiev and vowing to block any new EU sanctions that would hurt Slovakia economically.
Fico strongly condemned Germany’s threats, calling them undemocratic and a betrayal of EU values. He argued that silencing dissenting opinions would undermine European democracy. Highlighting the importance of dialogue, Fico reiterated that both Europe and Russia need each other, citing his recent visits to Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin.
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