Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has said that European Union member states should put more pressure on Hungary over Moldova and Ukraine’s accession to the bloc, ERR News reports.
Michal said after a meeting of the European Commission in Brussels that the bloc’s leaders had agreed to expand sanctions against Russia, including by focusing more on Russian fossil fuel carriers. He said he hoped to reach a formal agreement in the coming days.
The Estonian Prime Minister said that there are signs of EU enlargement, and Ukraine and Moldova. The politician noted that, except for Hungary, no one disputes that Ukraine has done what is required and that accession talks should be opened:
“We need to put joint pressure on Hungary.”
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that the results of the referendum in Hungary show that 95% of those polled are against Ukraine’s accession to the EU. About 29% of the country’s eligible voters took part in the referendum, and Michal was critical of Orbán’s “referendum”, calling it a farce. The Estonian said that opening accession talks was “the right path”. “They are undoubtedly part of the family to which we all belong. Opening negotiations would send a clear message to the people of Ukraine that they are fighting for the right thing and for a better future,” Michal added.
Michal also said that people have finally come to the understanding that strengthening Europe’s eastern border is in everyone’s interest, and indicated that it is time to take action to strengthen the country’s defenses.
Read also: Orban warns of consequences for Budapest Pride visitors