Friedrich Merz, the CDU national chairman, welcomed the final approval of the loan package for Ukraine. Speaking on Thursday at the sidelines of the EU Summit in Cyprus, Merz expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am very thankful that the loan from the European Union has finally been approved”.
The loan, totaling 90 billion euros, was approved by Hungary on Wednesday, ending a four-month blockade. Merz noted that the outgoing Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, had initially tied his consent to the repair of the Druschba pipeline in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday that the pipeline, which had been damaged by Russia, had been successfully repaired, allowing Russian oil to flow once more into Hungary.
Merz also signaled several other topics planned for discussion at the EU Summit. “We will also speak about the conflict in Iran, and we will talk about the multi-year financial framework of the European Union. There are many topics” he said. Concluding his remarks, the chairman added, “I am pleased that we have the opportunity to discuss the issues of our time on the beautiful island of Cyprus with the Presidency of the Council. I am very thankful for the generous hospitality”.