Poland blames Hungary for blocking Ukraine’s EU accession talks

The Polish Foreign Ministry has raised concerns over Hungary’s role in blocking Ukraine’s European Union accession talks, with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski accusing Budapest of impeding progress on Ukraine’s EU integration.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Sikorski pointed out that Hungary was obstructing both the start of negotiations between Brussels and Kyiv and the unfreezing of funds from the European Peace Facility intended for Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"This is another issue on which our long-time ally Hungary is blocking a decision," Sikorski stated.

Despite Hungary’s opposition, Poland remains hopeful that Ukraine will be able to begin the first and second phases of EU accession talks before the end of its current EU presidency. Sikorski underlined that Ukraine's path to the EU is a vital symbol of hope for Ukrainians, describing the accession process as an "anchor of the Ukrainian spirit."

Sikorski also expressed regret over Hungary’s stance, emphasizing that it was blocking the necessary decisions to advance Ukraine's EU integration. He stressed the importance of moving beyond bilateral issues and instead focusing on whether Ukraine has met the necessary criteria for accession.

Following the meeting, Sikorski made an appeal to Poland’s opposition parties, which maintain close ideological ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government. He urged the opposition to persuade their allies in Hungary to unblock the stalled negotiations for the good of Poland and Europe. "I must make a ritual appeal to the Polish opposition," Sikorski said, urging them to engage in efforts to resolve the impasse.

Sikorski also questioned the Polish opposition's stance regarding Hungary’s recent collaboration with the Polish organization Ordo Iuris, which reportedly advises the US administration on European issues. He expressed concern about the potential implications of such an initiative, asking whether it was in Poland’s best interest for the EU to remain paralyzed by ongoing disputes.

By Vafa Guliyeva