EU Summit stand-off: Czechia opts out of Ukraine loan alongside Slovakia, Hungary

Following the conclusion of a fifteen-hour session at the the EU Summit in Brussels Friday, Czechia has joined Hungary and Slovakia in refusing to provide financial guarantees for a new package of aid to Ukraine.

The three EU member states will not sign up for a EUR 90 billion (CZK approximately 2.3 trillion) EU loan intended to sustain Ukraine’s defense and economy through 2026 and 2027.

"By taking this step, Europe is ensuring that Ukraine can continue to resist... and by doing so, it is buying the most precious thing, which is time," Vlastislav Bříza, Charles University, told the Czech Press Agency (ČTK).

The summit was the first major international test for Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his new coalition, which includes the ANO movement, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, and the Motorists and seems to signal a shift from the previous administration's pro-Kyiv stance.

While the money will flow to Kyiv regardless, the refusal to share the financial risk has isolated these countries within the bloc. Politico reports that the move pushes the trio closer to "pariah status" inside the EU, raising questions about future repercussions from Brussels.

Analysts contacted by the ČTK pointed out that this "Czech Republic First" approach is a calculated pivot toward domestic political marketing.

Petr Kaniok of Masaryk University described the policy as "selfish and rather short-sighted," driven by the "utilitarian interests" of the new governing coalition.

Despite the unified front on loan guarantees, Pavel Havlíček of the Association for International Affairs (AMO) noted that while Slovakia and Hungary opposed the broader use of frozen Russian assets for a "reparations loan," Czechia remained "a little more constructive."

Babiš indicated that while he rejects new guarantees, he does not necessarily question the necessity of supporting Ukraine, provided the financial burden falls elsewhere.

The EU will now move forward with the €90 billion package, backed by the remaining 24 member states.

Speaking this afternoon on X, Czech President Petr Pavel said, "I would consider it right that we, together with other Europeans, show that we can assume our share of responsibility and guarantee the fate of our continent."