Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó clarified his country’s position regarding reports that Hungary blocked the EU’s decision to allocate €20 million to Armenia through the European Peace Facility (EPF). Speaking at the Yerevan Dialogue conference, Szijjártó emphasized that Hungary is not opposed to the aid—provided that Azerbaijan receives equal support.

“Our request was that the European Union provide equal support to Azerbaijan. Last time, it worked: €10 million was allocated to Armenia and €10 million to Azerbaijan. This time, it can work too,” he said.

He underscored the need for balance, particularly at a sensitive stage in Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks. “The European Union should take into account the instability of the situation, as well as the fact that Armenia and Azerbaijan are close to signing a peace agreement,” Szijjártó noted.

The Hungarian minister also confirmed a productive discussion with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, assuring him that Hungary supports EPF assistance for Armenia—contingent on a parallel package for Azerbaijan. He added that this principle of balance applies across all EU funding mechanisms.

In April, it was reported that Hungary blocked the EPF allocation during a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.