Ukraine needs clear signal on membership - Zelenskyy at EU summit
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine is expecting a clear signal from European Union member states regarding its future membership in the bloc. Such a signal could be the start of accession talks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his address at the EU summit.
The head of the Ukrainian state emphasized that Ukraine is fulfilling all of its obligations regarding EU accession. In particular, this includes the requirements related to relations with neighboring countries. Therefore, it is only fair that the EU responds with clear signals of support that acknowledge Ukraine's progress.
"A clear political statement is now needed to confirm that Ukraine is firmly on the European path and that Europe keeps its promises. Any delay by Europe at this stage could set a global precedent — a reason to doubt Europe's words and commitments," Zelenskyy stated.
The president clarified that the opening of the first negotiation cluster, Fundamentals, would not just be a technical step but a "political decision that will define Ukraine's future integration with Europe."
According to him, Ukraine is preparing to open all negotiation clusters this year.
Hungary blocks accession talks
The European Union cannot begin accession talks with Ukraine solely because Hungary is blocking the process.
The Hungarian authorities even launched a public consultation to gather citizens' opinions on Ukraine's potential EU membership. Amid this survey, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán pushed manipulative narratives claiming that Hungary's economy would be ruined if Ukraine joined the EU.
According to RBC-Ukraine sources, Budapest is unlikely to lift its veto before Hungary's national elections scheduled for next year.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has called these narratives "anti-Ukrainian hysteria."
