EU considers bold reforms to bypass Hungary’s constant vetoes on Ukraine
Photo: EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas (Getty Images)
A number of EU countries are discussing how to change the bloc’s decision-making rules. The discussions are prompted by Hungary’s repeated vetoes, Bloomberg reports.
In particular, the media outlet reviewed a document circulated among EU member states ahead of an informal meeting of foreign ministers on Saturday, August 30, in Copenhagen.
A group of 12 countries examined the legal options for adopting decisions by qualified majority instead of unanimity. Until now, all EU decisions required unanimous approval.
According to the report, changing the voting approach would allow the European Union to act faster and avoid being blocked.
Bloomberg notes that Hungary has consistently opposed initiatives regarding Ukraine, from the disbursement of funds to the country’s EU accession process. This has led to intense diplomatic disputes and negotiations aimed at persuading Hungary on issues such as renewing sanctions against Russia.
On Friday, August 29, Hungary refused to sign a statement condemning Russian strikes on Ukraine earlier that week.
Hungary-Ukraine conflict
Hungary opposes Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership and has also blocked EU assistance to Ukraine.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an interview to the Hungarian portal Válasz Online, sparking outrage among Hungarian officials.
In the interview, Zelenskyy stated that Viktor Orbán’s government interferes in Ukraine’s internal affairs and uses the war for political purposes ahead of elections.
At the same time, a spokesperson shared a statement from Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claiming that Zelenskyy allegedly "wants a puppet government in Hungary that would send Hungarian money to Ukraine."
