Zelenskyy urges EU to address Hungary's veto: This is wrong
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the EU to address Hungary’s obstruction of decisions. He emphasized that Europe must have a way to prevent such actions, said Zelenskyy at the European Council meeting.
The President stressed that internal pressure within Europe is needed to ensure that "anything promised – actually happens". According to him, this includes Ukraine’s EU accession talks and resolving key issues for European unity.
"It’s simply anti-European when one person blocks decisions that are important for the entire continent or that have already been agreed upon. Ukraine fulfilled the requirements, but right now, there are serious difficulties in opening Ukraine’s first and other, of course, other negotiation clusters for EU accession. European efforts that should be bringing more security and peace are also constantly being obstructed. And I believe this is wrong," he said.
The Ukrainian President added that Europe must have a mechanism to prevent individuals from blocking what is necessary for everyone. In his view, if Europe wants to be stronger in global competition, decision-making must become faster, more flexible, and more efficient, whether in politics, defense, economy, industry, or any other field.
"Europe needs speed in making decisions and clear tools to protect itself from unnecessary blockages. Ukraine is a part of Europe, and Europe is one of the players in global peace efforts. We did our best for Europe to be equal with others in these efforts and peace negotiations," he said.
Zelenskyy stressed that Europe must always be at the negotiation table in discussions concerning its security and must act in unity in all other issues.
"We talked about this in Jeddah, and we always discuss it with all our partners, and we emphasize it exactly this way – Europe is a participant in diplomacy. And that’s why I urge you to support us as well – and not allow us to be left out of joint European efforts," the President added.
Hungary's position on Ukraine
Hungary is the main opponent of Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Budapest is blocking Ukraine's membership process, as well as military and other assistance.
In addition, Hungary is constantly delaying the approval of EU sanctions against Russia, often imposing its own conditions.
Among the EU member states, there are discussions about the possibility of making decisions on Ukraine without Hungary's participation. So far, this issue is only at the stage of preliminary discussions.
Last week, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán issued 12 demands to Brussels. One of them is the rejection of Ukraine's accession to the EU.
