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Hungary has thrown a significant hurdle into the path of Ukraine and Moldova’s bids to join the European Union, after delaying a procedural step needed to advance their membership talks. The move has sparked concerns among EU officials that the process, which was already facing a backlog, may face further delays.
The issue arose on Tuesday when Hungary blocked a joint letter spelling out the bloc’s position on opening the first negotiating chapter for Ukraine and Moldova. The letter was intended to outline the EU’s unified stance on the matter, following a unanimous approval by the EU countries to proceed with the negotiating chapter on June 15.
According to sources, Hungary was the only member state to block the letter, citing concerns over potential future disputes related to the EU’s asylum seeker distribution mechanism. The Budapest government has long expressed opposition to the mechanism, which allocates asylum seekers among EU member states based on their population and economic strength.
EU officials have expressed disappointment and frustration over Hungary’s decision, citing the potential implications for the bloc’s unity and Ukraine and Moldova’s membership bids. The two countries have been making significant progress in their EU accession processes, and were set to receive formal invitations to join the bloc in the near future.
“Disappointing and frustrating is an understatement,” a senior EU official told POLITICO, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The fact that one member state is now delaying this process, citing technicalities, raises serious questions about the unity and commitment of the EU to its accession process.”
The issue is expected to be revisited next week, with EU officials hoping to reach a resolution and move forward with the membership talks. However, with the current delay, the bloc’s capacity to absorb new members may be further stretched, raising questions about the EU’s ability to meet its commitments.
In a statement, the EU’s foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stano expressed the bloc’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and Moldova’s bids, while also acknowledging the concerns raised by Hungary. “We understand that Hungary has its own concerns and reservations, which we will discuss and address as we move forward,” Stano said.
The EU’s current delays and setbacks have also raised questions about the bloc’s ability to respond effectively to future crises and challenges, including the ongoing Russian conflict with Ukraine. As the bloc navigates the complex and often contentious process of accession, policymakers will be closely watching the developments to come.