Only Hungary? Stefanishyna comments on other 'obstables' on Ukraine's path to EU
Photo: Olha Stefanishyna, Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The situation on the front lines in Ukraine is not in crisis. However, both offensive and defensive operations slow down during the winter period, so it is important to restrain the occupiers, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference with participants of the Northern European Countries Summit.
Ukraine continues to work on joining the European Union. However, there are numerous "hidden obstacles" along the way that complicate the situation.
This was reported by the Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna during a telethon broadcast.
In response to a journalist's question about whether there are any "hidden obstacles" on Ukraine's path to EU accession, apart from threats from Hungary regarding blocking accession negotiations, Stefanishyna stated, "There are many of them. Every day new questions, agreements, and reservations arise."
At the same time, she emphasized the importance for Ukraine that, before the vote in the European Parliament, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen presented a report on the progress of reforms in all enlargement countries.
"The President noted that we have made efforts to implement additional steps outlined by the European Commission and confirmed a positive assessment of the adopted law on national minorities," explained the minister.
She added that, currently, she continues to work in Brussels with member states, understanding that many different discussions and proposals are being prepared for the meeting of the European Council.
"I want to remind you that at the level of ministers and ambassadors, no decisions on expansion have been made. All responsibility lies directly with the leaders," Stefanishyna added.
Ukraine's accession to the European Union
On December 14 and 15, a summit of European Union leaders will take place. During the meeting, decisions regarding the prospects of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia's integration into the EU are expected. Hungary is expected to block anything related to supporting Ukraine.
On November 8, the European Commission recommended that the EU Council begin negotiations with Ukraine on accession. As noted by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, our country has implemented 90% of the reforms expected by the EU.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, the upcoming summit will not be easy, and the intensity of diplomacy today is at the level of the beginning of a full-scale war.
Hungary against negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, stated that his country opposes opening a dialogue. At the same time, the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, called on EU officials not to raise the issue of Ukraine's accession to the bloc at the future summit.
Read more about why Hungary is blocking Ukraine's accession to the European Union and what Orban wants in the RBC-Ukraine material.
