EU seeks to bypass Hungary’s block on Ukraine membership talks - Bloomberg
Photo: EU to bypass Hungary's blockade (Getty Images)
EU seeks ways to launch accession talks with Ukraine despite Hungary’s opposition, Bloomberg reports.
According to sources cited by the agency, some EU member states last week asked the European Commission to explore legal ways for bypassing Hungary’s veto.
Hungary refers to concerns over the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. Although Budapest lifted its veto in December 2023 after EU funds were unblocked, it is now again obstructing progress.
Lawmakers believe that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is using the concept of "national consultations" to derail the process.
Bypassing veto
While unanimity is formally required to open and close accession negotiations, it is not legally necessary for individual negotiation clusters. This could allow the EU to proceed even if one member state objects.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin stated it is time to use the available pressure tools. The EU is striving to preserve unity without allowing one country to abuse the veto right. While these discussions remain behind closed doors, they are becoming increasingly serious.
Political context
Ukraine applied for EU membership following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Brussels has emphasized that accelerated accession is not possible, but acknowledged Ukraine's progress on reforms. The United States supports Ukraine's EU aspirations, despite more complex ties with NATO.
Donald Trump has tried to play the role of peacemaker in the conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, the EU views enlargement as a way to enhance continental stability.
Minority rights dispute
Hungary’s primary objection concerns the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region. Kyiv has passed a series of laws to address the issue, but Budapest deems them insufficient. The EU, by contrast, says Ukraine has fulfilled all relevant conditions.
Bilateral talks were suspended following spying accusations, worsening tensions, with Hungary continuing to publicly criticize Ukraine.
Orbán and domestic politics
Orbán has made opposition to Ukraine's EU accession part of his political campaign, arguing that membership would undermine Hungary's economy. However, public opinion in Hungary is divided.
The EU is concerned about Orbán’s use of "national consultations", often accompanied by pro-government propaganda. These methods have been employed in the past with predictable outcomes.
In addition, according to the Financial Times, the EU is also exploring ways to circumvent Hungary's potential veto on extending economic sanctions against Russia, by considering legal mechanisms that could allow the sanctions to continue without full unanimity among member states.
