Kachka: Hungary Does Not Block Ukraine's EU Accession Talks
Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Taras Kachka stated that Hungary is not blocking Ukraine's EU accession negotiations, and the opening of remaining clusters could advance in July. However, EU sources indicate that Hungary has not blocked but paused four clusters.
An intergovernmental conference between the EU and Ukraine will take place on Tuesday morning in Brussels, where the decision to open negotiations on the sixth cluster will be formally approved. This was announced by Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Taras Kachka, who noted that there is no fundamental blocking from any member state.
The first cluster was opened on June 15, while the remaining clusters (2, 3, 4, and 5) remain closed. Kachka believes that discussions on further progress will occur on Tuesday. "On Tuesday morning, we will have a decision to open negotiations on the sixth cluster. Then, at the EU Council on General Affairs, work will proceed to open the remaining four clusters. They are fully ready for opening," Kachka said.
Earlier reports indicated that Hungary had blocked the opening of new clusters for Ukraine. Kachka insists that there is currently no blocking. "There is no blocking from any member state. Therefore, it is possible that news regarding the other clusters will come within July," he added, stating that almost all member states are ready to open clusters as quickly as possible.
However, a source close to negotiations with EU members told European Pravda that Kachka's claim of no blocking does not mean Hungary is ready to immediately open the remaining clusters. "Currently, there is a consensus minus Hungary for opening all clusters, but Hungary also emphasizes that it has not blocked but paused the four clusters. Their opening is a matter of time and a calendar convenient for Hungary," the source added.
The EU as a whole does not support the vice prime minister's optimistic expectations for progress in July. Lithuania predicts that all remaining clusters will be postponed until autumn. At the end of last week, ambassadors finally agreed to open the sixth cluster.
