US EditionEU on charm offensive in Ukraine as Hungary blocks Kyiv's accession
Hungary blocks Ukraine’s EU bid over ethnic Hungarian minority rights, prompting EU efforts to negotiate reforms and consider bypassing Hungary’s veto, officials said.
- This week, the European Union launched a high-level charm offensive in Ukraine, meeting the Hungarian minority in western Ukraine to ease tensions as Hungary blocks Kyiv's accession bid requiring unanimous backing from the EU's 27 member states.
- Hungary's government cites concerns about minority rights and security as reasons for its veto, while relations have worsened in recent weeks after drone accusations and diplomatic expulsions.
- The European Commission pressed Kyiv to implement its minority action plan adopted in May, with Marta Kos saying the Commission will supervise Kyiv's commitments as Ukraine and nearly all EU states seek talks on six clusters.
- The executive is exploring options to start parts of the accession talks without full unanimity as European Council President Antonio Costa floated opening clusters to bypass Hungary's objection, while Marta Kos urged lifting the veto and addressing minority concerns.
- Some European officials view Budapest's objections as politically motivated, while Marta Kos said `There is no enlargement without protection of minorities` and a Hungarian government spokesman expressed hope for better ties over ten years.
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Orbán Opposes Linking Ukraine’s Accession and Sanctions Push; Warns of War Risks - Hungarian Conservative
Hungary cannot be circumvented with legal manoeuvres to open Ukraine’s EU accession process, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in Copenhagen ahead of an informal EU summit, insisting any enlargement must follow the same rules and warning that fast-tracking Kyiv risks drawing the EU into war and draining funds.
European Council President Antonio Coshta is convinced that it is now the turn of the European Union in the negotiations on Ukraine's membership to the EU to fulfill its part of the task, implying the opening of negotiating clusters. This is supported by all the leaders of the EU member states except Hungary.
The EU summit in Copenhagen was committed to the enlargement of the Community in Eastern Europe, but it was blocked by Hungary until the last time.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that technical preparations for Ukraine's accession to the EU are developing continuously and in record time, even despite the political blockade by Hungary.
EU on charm offensive in Ukraine as Hungary blocks Kyiv's accession
The European Union is on a high-level charm offensive in Ukraine this week, meeting the Hungarian minority in the west of the country to try to ease tensions between neighbours that are threatening Kyiv's accession bid.
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