Ukraine receives signal from Hungary regarding 'window of opportunities' at EU Summit
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba (Getty Images)
Ukraine has received the first non-public and unofficial signal from Hungary, which indicates a "window of opportunities" for our country at the EU summit to be held on December 14-15, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
He says there is not a single country that does not want to see Ukraine become part of the European Union. There is only Hungary, which wants a slower process to carefully study the consequences of accession.
"But yesterday, as a result of my long conversation with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, the threat that Hungary is in principle against Ukraine's membership in the EU has been completely removed. He confirmed that this is not the issue at all," Kuleba says.
The Foreign Minister notes that he could not be frank and straightforward on this issue because "the stakes are extremely high."
"But today we have received the first non-public and unofficial signal from Hungary, which indicates a window of opportunity. That's how I'll put it," the Minister adds.
In addition, Kuleba emphasizes the positive official signal from the Slovak government to support the opening of negotiations with Ukraine on EU membership.
Ukraine's accession to the EU
On November 8, the European Commission recommended to the EU Council to start accession negotiations with Ukraine. According to Ursula von der Leyen, Ukraine has already implemented 90% of the reforms expected by the EU.
However, Hungary said it would oppose the EU starting accession talks with Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party has submitted a resolution to the parliament against negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
On December 14-15, a summit of European Union leaders will take place. There, European leaders will decide on the prospects for the integration of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. According to media reports, Hungary will block everything related to supporting Ukraine. Therefore, the summit may be delayed.
On December 11, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held talks with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto. The main topic was Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Read more about why Hungary is blocking Ukraine's accession to the European Union and what Orban wants in RBC-Ukraine's article.
