Hungary Blocks EU Accession Talks with Ukraine
Hungary has vetoed a joint EU statement calling for the start of accession talks with Ukraine, effectively halting negotiations. The decision, made at the bloc’s Foreign Affairs Council, was supported by 26 of 27 EU member states but lacked Hungary’s approval, which is required for unanimity. Prime Minister Viktor Orban cited public opposition and national identity concerns as reasons for the veto.
The communique published on the European Council’s website noted that the council will revisit the issue at its next meeting in October. Orban confirmed the veto in comments to reporters, stating that the decision was necessary to counter public anger over Ukraine’s EU bid. He referenced a national referendum which concluded on June 20, where 95% of voters rejected Ukraine’s EU membership.
Orban emphasized that Ukraine’s status as a sovereign state with defined borders and identity is a prerequisite for EU membership, which he argued is lacking in Ukraine’s case. Ukraine made EU accession a national priority since 2019, formally applying in 2022 shortly after the escalation of its conflict with Russia. The EU granted Kiev candidate status later that year and set a 2030 target for membership.
Critics, however, argue that Ukraine’s institutions and economy are unprepared for EU membership, and the cost could strain the bloc. Budapest opposes EU membership for Ukraine, warning it could escalate tensions with Russia and burden EU taxpayers with decades of military aid. Alongside Hungary, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Polish officials have raised concerns. A recent IBRiS poll shows only 35% of Poles support Ukraine’s EU bid, down from 85% in 2022.
Moscow has grown more critical of Ukraine’s EU ambitions, with former President Dmitry Medvedev calling the EU a ‘threat’ to Russia. Russian officials have warned against EU militarization and expressed concerns about the bloc’s expansion, highlighting the geopolitical complexities of the situation.