Slovakia will not block Ukraine EU accession talks, but considers it 'not ready'
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico considers Ukraine "not ready" for the start of negotiations on joining the European Union but will not block this decision at the summit on December 14-15, according to Pravda Slovakia.
"We will not obstruct the European Council's decision to start negotiations with Ukraine on joining the EU. It's a political decision, unrelated to reality. Ukraine is absolutely unprepared for the start of negotiations," Fico said.
Previously, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar announced that his country is ready to support the decision to open negotiations with Ukraine on joining the European Union at the summit scheduled for December 14-15.
Ukraine's EU accession
On November 8, the European Commission recommended that the EU Council start negotiations with Ukraine on accession. According to Ursula von der Leyen, Ukraine has already implemented 90% of the reforms expected by the EU.
However, Hungary has declared opposition to the EU starting negotiations with Ukraine on accession. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party submitted a resolution to parliament against negotiations on Ukraine's EU accession.
The summit of European Union leaders will take place on December 14-15. European leaders will determine the prospects for the integration of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. According to media reports, Hungary will block anything related to supporting Ukraine, potentially prolonging the summit.
For more on why Hungary is blocking Ukraine's accession to the European Union and what Orban wants, please refer to RBC-Ukraine article.
