Merz Demands Immediate €90 Billion EU Loan for Kyiv After Orban's Electoral Setback

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing for the immediate release of a massive €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine, seizing on a critical political shift. The electoral defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a long-standing opponent of the funding, has removed the primary obstacle that had stalled the crucial financial package. Merz's urgent call signals a pivotal moment to unlock frozen support for Kyiv's war effort.

The loan, equivalent to roughly $106 billion, represents one of the EU's largest single financial commitments to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Its approval had been held hostage by Orban's veto power within the bloc, creating a significant financial and political bottleneck. With that roadblock now cleared following Hungary's election results, pressure is mounting on EU institutions to execute the disbursement without further procedural delays.

The rapid deployment of these funds is seen as vital for stabilizing Ukraine's economy and financing its defense. Merz's public demand increases scrutiny on the European Commission and member states to finalize the transfer, turning a dormant financial instrument into an immediate test of European resolve. The move also underscores the shifting power dynamics within the EU, where the political cost of obstructing aid to Ukraine has now been demonstrated.