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Hungary has dealt a setback to the European Union membership bids of Ukraine and Moldova by delaying a procedural step needed to advance their accession talks, POLITICO has reported. This move puts Budapest in the unusual position of being the only EU member state to oppose sending a joint letter outlining the bloc’s position on the accession process.
The development is particularly concerning for Ukraine, which had aimed to open all six negotiating clusters by mid-July. However, thanks to the unanimous approval of the opening of the first formal negotiating chapter for both candidates earlier this month, this target still seems achievable. Nevertheless, the delay has thrown a spanner into Kyiv’s works and is likely to cause frustration among EU officials who have been pushing for a swift membership bid process.
The exact reasons behind Hungary’s stance on the issue are unclear, but it seems that Budapest is not prepared to rush the process. This stance is at odds with the rest of the EU member states, who have been pushing for a more streamlined approach to accession talks. The EU has been keen to show its support for Ukraine and Moldova, which have faced significant challenges in recent times. Both countries have been at the forefront of European and international efforts to counter Russian aggression, with Ukraine suffering significant casualties in its ongoing conflict.
Despite the set back, EU diplomats suggest that the issue is set to be revisited by EU member states next week. This will likely lead to further discussion and potentially some backtracking by Budapest, with diplomats hoping to find a mutually acceptable solution. Given the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and Moldova, it would be surprising if Hungary is able to delay the process indefinitely.
In the context of the larger geopolitical situation, the EU’s efforts to support Ukraine and Moldova remain crucial. These countries have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, and EU membership will be a significant boost to their standing on the world stage. As a result, it is hoped that Hungary will change its stance and support the joint letter, which would allow accession talks to proceed more swiftly.
The outcome of the situation will be keenly watched in diplomatic circles, not least because it could set a wider precedent for other EU member states to follow. In the short term, EU officials will have to navigate the complexities of Hungary’s opposition and find a way to move the accession talks forward.