Hungary may unblock Ukraine EU accession talks after new diplomatic progress, Politico says

If this happens, Ukraine and Moldova will be able to move to the next stage of European integration — opening the first negotiation cluster, which marks the official start of accession talks.

According to sources cited by Politico, the relevant decision could be adopted during an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg on June 15.

What changed Hungary’s position

Diplomats link the possible compromise to recent talks between Ukrainian and Hungarian experts on the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

During the meeting, the Ukrainian side presented proposals addressing most of the points in the list of demands previously put forward by the government of Viktor Orbán.

According to one diplomat, Hungary’s approval does not depend on the immediate adoption of new laws in Ukraine, and some issues can be resolved through further consultations.

At the same time, Budapest has not officially confirmed any change in its position.

"Negotiations are ongoing. No agreement has been reached," a Hungarian official said on condition of anonymity.

When a decision could be made

It is expected that by the end of this week, EU ambassadors will form a final position on opening the first negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova.

Before that, Kyiv is expected to present updated reform plans and additional measures on protecting the rights of national minorities.

Afterwards, the issue will be put forward at an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg.

Opening any negotiation cluster requires unanimous support from all 27 EU member states.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously called on the EU to open the first negotiation cluster on Ukraine’s accession as soon as possible, stressing that bilateral disputes between Kyiv and Budapest should not block Ukraine’s European path.

At the same time, according to European officials, Ukraine could complete most of the negotiation stages within the next 12–18 months.