The European Council failed to achieve unanimous support for a statement endorsing Ukraine’s EU accession during its June 26 summit in Brussels. All member states except Hungary reaffirmed Ukraine’s inherent right to choose its own destiny and its path toward EU membership. Hungary’s government claimed that 95% of participants in a national consultation opposed Ukraine’s accession, though the consultation has been criticized for its credibility and potential to serve as a pretext for political resistance.
The consultation, promoted by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, was conducted through a postal ballot sent to Hungarian citizens alongside a letter from Orban urging them to vote against Ukraine’s membership. Critics have raised concerns about the consultation’s legitimacy and turnout, questioning whether it could be used to justify Hungary’s continued opposition to Ukraine’s EU aspirations. The European Council’s statement, supported by 26 of the 27 EU states, commended Ukraine for its reforms under challenging circumstances and encouraged further progress. However, formal negotiations can only proceed with the unanimous consent of all member states.
Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia’s invasion in 2022 and was granted candidate status within months. As an EU member, Hungary holds a veto over further progress, making its stance a critical obstacle to Kyiv’s accession. Orban has consistently opposed Ukraine’s EU membership, citing potential risks to Hungary’s sovereignty and stability. His public participation in the consultation, where he marked ‘against’ on the ballot and shared photos of his vote, has reinforced his government’s position. The consultation, which was held on the eve of the European Council summit, highlights the political tensions within the EU regarding Ukraine’s integration and the broader implications for regional stability.
Despite Hungary’s opposition, the EU has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s reform efforts and pledged to consider opening negotiations on the Fundamentals cluster. However, the lack of unanimity underscores the deep divisions within the bloc, particularly in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Critics argue that Hungary’s resistance is not only a political stance but also a reflection of deeper strategic and economic considerations, as the EU’s cohesion remains a key factor in shaping its collective response to global challenges.