Paet: Hungary must immediately return Ukrainian assets

TALLINN – Members of the European Parliament, including Urmas Paet, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, have condemned Hungary's detention of Ukrainian bank employees and confiscation of assets, demanding the European Commission take steps to urgently resolve the issue and ensure the Hungarian government returns the assets to their owner, Ukraine.

According to Paet, Hungary's behavior has crossed every line. "At a time when Ukraine urgently needs financial and military support to defend itself against Russian aggression, Hungary's actions are weakening Ukraine and contradict the principles of European solidarity," Paet said. "Therefore, we expect the European Commission to take steps towards an urgent solution to ensure the Hungarian government returns the money to Ukraine," he added.

"We and our colleagues also expect the European Commission to conduct a thorough assessment of the Hungarian government's actions, which represent a further deterioration of the rule of law and an escalation of lawlessness in Hungary. These actions must have clear and fair consequences," he added.

The joint appeal by the Members of the European Parliament is addressed to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath.