Ukraine's MFA on start of accession negotiations: EU cannot be held hostage by Hungary’s policies
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union cannot depend on the policies of the Hungarian authorities, states Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, according to the national telethon live broadcast.
The head of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that he expects open negotiation clusters with the European Union.
According to him, Ukrainian diplomats are currently working with their European counterparts on ways to overcome Hungary’s veto.
"There is a Hungarian veto, but the European Union — and this is our approach — cannot become a hostage to the abusive policies of a single state, Hungary," he added.
Hungary is blocking Ukraine’s path to the EU
Ukraine cannot start accession negotiations with the European Union because Hungary has imposed its veto on the decision. In the EU, issues related to foreign policy, including enlargement, must be decided unanimously.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán conducted a survey among Hungarians regarding Ukraine’s membership. He claims that an overwhelming majority of Hungary’s citizens are allegedly against Ukraine joining the EU.
Orbán also speculated that if Ukraine were to join the EU, it would lead to the collapse of Hungary’s economy.
Recently, the Hungarian prime minister suggested that the EU find an alternative to membership for Ukraine, proposing a "strategic partnership."
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine wants to be part of the EU and does not accept any alternative solutions.
He also pointed out that Orbán, by vetoing Ukraine, is effectively helping Russian President Vladimir Putin.
