EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East. They expect updates on the Druzbha pipeline, which may soon resume oil flow to Hungary and Slovakia.
Mentioned in this story
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg this morning to discuss the latest on Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East.
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
The ministers are awaiting an update on the Druzbha pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, which is understood to be close to being operational against after months of bitter disputes between Ukraine and the two countries.
Hungary’s outgoing prime minister Viktor Orbán suggested he would drop his country’s veto on the EU’s €90bn loan for Ukraine as soon as the oil starts flowing, which could happen this week. Slovakia is understood to be in the same position.
The issue is currently expected to be discussed by EU ambassadors on Wednesday, but could come up earlier. One to watch.
But the discussions will also focus on the situation in the Middle East, with the Lebanese prime minister, Nawaf Salam, joining the ministers to give an update on the regional security situation.
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia are among countries calling for closer scrutiny of Israel’s actions, including a more radical step of suspending the association agreement with the EU and imposing sanctions on violent Israeli settlers.
While substantial progress is unlikely to be made on this today as Orbán’s Hungary, a close Israel ally, continues to oppose any such move, the ministers will probably be looking at what could be possible at their next meeting once the government in Budapest changes.
EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, hinted yesterday that the position of Magyar’s government could be different, saying – without naming Hungary specifically – that there could be “a new approach” to the issue:
“Now this country [has recently] had the elections and will [soon] have a new government. I will not speak for the new government, but definitely I think we can look into all these policies and see whether they have a new approach.”
The Druzbha pipeline is crucial as it carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, and its operational status could influence Hungary's decision to lift its veto on EU financial aid for Ukraine.
The ministers are awaiting updates on the operational status of the Druzbha pipeline, which has been a point of contention between Ukraine and the two countries.
Hungary's outgoing prime minister Viktor Orbán indicated he would drop the veto on the EU's €90bn loan for Ukraine once the Druzbha pipeline begins oil flow, potentially happening this week.
At 93, Moira Brown will attend her fourth World Cup, celebrating Scotland's qualification for the tournament after nearly 30 years. She'll cheer for her team during their group stage matches in the U.S.
One in 17 children globally is involved in child labour, with many in hazardous conditions.
How Trump's immigration crackdown affected small-business loans for entrepreneurs.
Belfast residents voice disgust at riots following stabbing incident
One year on from the Air India crash, families like Sagar Patel's seek justice and closure.
Want a better skin care routine? Sign up for our one-week guide!
See every story in News — including breaking news and analysis.
Lots for us to cover this morning.
I will keep an eye on all of that and bring you the latest here.
It’s Tuesday, 21 April 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
Explore more on these topics