Ukraine's EU membership is essential for Europe's security, says Lithuania's FM
Photo: Kęstutis Budrys (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The expansion of the European Union is a key geopolitical tool that helps ensure peace and stability on the continent, said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, LRT reports.
He stressed that Ukraine and Moldova are currently at the forefront of the enlargement process, so their progress must be clearly reflected in EU decisions.
"Ukraine's membership in the EU is a necessary condition for Europe's security. It is also one of the elements of Ukraine's security guarantees," Budrys said.
According to him, the European Union must send clear and consistent signals about Ukraine's integration so that citizens see a real prospect of membership and reforms move faster and more effectively.
Budrys also emphasized that EU enlargement will be one of Lithuania's key priorities during its presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027.
Ukraine's EU accession
Earlier, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Commission is working to open negotiation clusters for Ukraine and Moldova's EU accession as early as the end of November.
At the same time, the European Union still cannot formally begin talks with Ukraine due to Hungary's veto, which remains a major obstacle.
In early November, the European Commission presented its report as part of the EU Enlargement Package, noting significant progress by Ukraine in implementing the required reforms.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for blocking Ukraine's EU integration efforts, linking his stance to political motives. According to Zelenskyy, Orbán's electorate is opposed to most EU decisions, which influences the actions of Hungary's government.
