All 27 EU states except Hungary agreed on Thursday to start accession talks with Ukraine despite its conflict with Russia, bypassing Orban's opposition by getting him to leave the room. But they could not overcome his resistance to revamping the EU budget to channel 50 billion euros to Kyiv and provide more cash for other tasks such as managing migration.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron were among those expressing optimism on getting the aid to Kyiv, which is part of a broader multi-year EU budget plan.

EU leaders, who would prefer a deal backed by all members but also have a plan B, are expected to revisit the issue at an emergency summit at the end of January or early in February.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, it is now also necessary to work on potential alternatives to have an operational solution in case that an agreement by 27, so unanimity, is not possible.