**EU's €90 Billion Ukraine Lifeline Hinges on Hungary's New Strongman**

European leaders are watching Hungary’s new prime minister, Péter Magyar, closely. His actions will decide the fate of two major EU goals: funding for Ukraine and reforming Hungary itself. The immediate priority is a €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine. It has been blocked by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. With Orbán gone, Brussels hopes Magyar will lift the veto. The second demand is domestic. The EU wants Magyar’s new conservative supermajority in parliament to restore the rule of law and fight corruption. These issues have long caused conflict between Budapest and Brussels. Magyar’s decisions on these fronts will define Hungary’s relationship with Europe. They will also test his government’s balance between national politics and international obligations.