Hungary on Wednesday, the 15th of November, called for a review of the European Union’s (EU) position on Ukraine, opposing Germany, Lithuania, Finland and Ireland, which have backed integration of Ukraine into the bloc and more support for Kyiv, reports Reuters.
Hungary is currently delaying an EU decision to start formal EU membership talks with Ukraine next month once all conditions are met and to grant Ukraine 50 billion euros in support from the bloc’s budget until 2027. These decisions require unanimity among all 27 EU Member States and
Hungary’s opposition is creating obstacles despite the EU’s overall support.
Hungary’s European Affairs Minister Janos Boka called for “time for reflection and strategic discussions” on EU policy towards Ukraine as he arrived for talks with EU counterparts ahead of a summit of the bloc’s leaders on 14-15 December, as per Reuters.
Boka said that until such discussions took place, Budapest would not support any EU decisions on the way forward for Ukraine’s accession process or on additional aid to Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has cited concerns about the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine as a reason for Hungary’s opposition. Moreover, he remains at odds with the EU over the bloc’s decision to freeze Hungary’s access to funds over concerns about a democratic backsliding under his rule.
EU officials have said that Hungary’s veto on financial aid to Ukraine could be circumvented.
However, this would not apply to inviting Ukraine to accession talks.
German EU Minister Anna Luhrmann stressed the importance of reaching agreement in December on a financial framework to support Ukraine. Her views were echoed by her Irish counterpart.
Anders Adlercreutz of Finland stressed the security aspect of support to Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, stressing that European countries need to understand the importance of helping Ukraine.
Lithuania’s Jovita Neliupsiene stressed that decisions on the enlargement of the bloc should be taken at the December EU summit to avoid undermining credibility.
According to Reuters, Hungary has previously temporarily blocked decisions on aid to Ukraine and has called for a “strategic” discussion on EU sanctions against Russia.
A senior EU official expressed concern about the possibility of a decision on EU membership talks with Ukraine in December, given the need for consensus, and said: “I don’t see a way out at the moment”, according to Reuters.
Read also: EC calls for EU membership negotiations with Ukraine
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