Deputy PM: Ukraine's EU membership held up by Hungary’s unwavering opposition

Ukraine has acknowledged that Hungary has effectively blocked its progress toward joining the European Union, despite Kyiv’s repeated attempts to change Budapest's stance.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olga Stefanyshyna confirmed this in responding to the enquiry from Politico, per Caliber.Az.

Stefanyshyna stated that the EU accession process has been stalled due to the position of one EU member state: Hungary. She emphasized that Budapest's stance remains unchanged, despite "multiple interactions" between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as well as intensive dialogue with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. Stefanyshyna remarked, "This does not affect the position of the Hungarian side," and expressed uncertainty on how to shift the situation.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski also weighed in, explaining that Hungary is blocking the initiation of EU-Ukraine accession talks. Sikorski pointed out that Hungary is also opposed to unfreezing funds intended for Ukraine from the European Peace Fund.

During a broadcast on Polish TV channel after the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Sikorski noted, “This is another issue on which our longtime ally Hungary is blocking a decision.” However, he added that Poland still hopes to begin the first and second phases of EU-Ukraine talks before the end of its presidency of the EU.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made it clear on March 15 that Budapest opposes Ukraine’s rushed EU accession. He claimed that Brussels had promised Ukraine rapid admission to the EU in exchange for continuing military actions. Furthermore, Hungary contends that the Ukrainian government fails to protect the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia and continues actions that threaten the energy security of Central Europe. These issues have been central to Hungary's objections to Ukraine’s integration into European structures.

Earlier, an emergency EU defence summit had to postpone the adoption of a support statement for Ukraine, due to Hungary's disagreements with other member states. Orban also initiated a poll among Hungarians regarding Ukraine's EU accession.

In December 2023, EU leaders in Brussels agreed to begin accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. However, Hungary's opposition continues to slow progress on this front.

By Tamilla Hasanova