Tensions deepen across European capitals before key EU summit – Europe live

European capitals are on tenterhooks as leaders prepare to meet in Brussels later this week for a summit intended to seal a deal on long-term funding for Ukraine.

Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, blocked a proposed €50 billion EU package for Kyiv late last year, prompting leaders to schedule the February 1 gathering with the hope of reaching a compromise.

The package, a mix of grants and loans, would provide a lifeline for Ukraine’s economy.

But while Budapest insists that it has proposed a compromise, the sides have yet to come to an agreement. Hungary appears to want a deal that would allow it to block the flow of aid to Kyiv in the future.

Meanwhile, frustrations are growing with Hungary’s leadership – and not just because of the Ukrainian aid.

Budapest is continuing to delay Sweden’s Nato accession, as the Hungary parliament remains the only legislature within the defensive alliance that has yet to sign off on Swedish membership.

A meeting between Orbán and his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, could take place on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels this week.