Hungary blocks Ukraine's EU accession again – mid-July deadline at risk
Hungary has objected to sending a joint EU letter to the European Council and Commission, a move requiring unanimous consent from all 27 member states, putting Ukraine's mid-July deadline at risk.
Hungary has once again blocked Ukraine's path to European Union membership by opposing the dispatch of a joint EU letter to the European Council and the European Commission. This step requires the unanimous consent of all 27 member states, which Budapest has refused to provide. According to sources, this action jeopardizes Kyiv's self-imposed deadline to conclude negotiations by mid-July.
This is not the first time Hungary has impeded Ukraine's European integration process. Previously, Budapest has voiced objections to various Ukraine-related issues, including sanctions against Russia and reforms in Ukraine's energy sector.
EU officials have expressed concern that Hungary's resistance could delay Ukraine's accession process, which is a crucial step for both Kyiv and the bloc's enlargement. While official negotiation dates have yet to be announced, Ukraine had hoped to achieve significant progress by mid-July.
The European Union is seeking a solution to overcome Hungary's objections, but it remains unclear whether Budapest will change its stance. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to implement reforms necessary to meet EU standards.
