EU Prepares for Possible Summit Disruption by Pro-Russian Leaders, Politico Reports

The European Union is preparing for the possibility that a pro-Russian faction within the bloc could derail critical decisions at this week's summit, according to a Politico report on March 5.

Ahead of the meeting, EU leadership is wary not only of potential U.S. pressure to push a deal that would concede to many of Russia’s demands but also of internal divisions among its own members, Politico states.

“While Thursday’s hastily arranged summit, just days after less formal gatherings in Paris and London, signals an intention to come up with solutions, diplomats are already bracing for a pro-Russia group of leaders led by Hungary’s Viktor Orbán derailing the whole thing,” the report notes.

With a wide range of topics on the agenda and growing divisions among member states, the summit could take multiple directions. Leaders are expected to discuss how to quickly redirect resources to strengthen national armies while reaffirming their support for Ukraine, including its path toward EU membership, Politico writes.

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According to Politico, officials had anticipated the summit’s statement to include support for a plan proposed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, which outlines the delivery of at least 1.5 million artillery shells to Ukraine this year, along with air defense systems, missiles, and drones.

While the final communiqué is not expected until the summit concludes, a draft circulated on the evening of March 4, obtained by Politico, urges EU nations to find a way to ensure continued arms deliveries. However, officials say Hungary is refusing to support the measure. The draft also reaffirms that the EU will continue providing Ukraine with regular and predictable financial assistance.

It was previously reported that MEPs from the pro-European Volt party plan to send EU leaders a proposal urging them to revoke Hungary’s voting rights over its repeated obstruction of joint decisions.