Hungary Blocks Key Step in Ukraine and Moldova's EU Accession Process

Hungary has halted a key procedural step required for Ukraine and Moldova to advance their European Union accession processes, two EU diplomats told Politico. This development occurred just days after EU member states unanimously agreed on June 15 to open formal accession talks with both Kyiv and Chisinau.

The blocked measure involved a joint letter to the European Council and the European Commission, meant to articulate the unified stance of the 27 EU nations. Hungary was the sole country to object to sending this letter, forcing the issue to be reconsidered next week. This action reflects Prime Minister Peter Magyar's cautious approach to Ukraine's EU membership, even though his government did not oppose the initial opening of negotiations.

Magyar's government had previously insisted on removing the phrase "as soon as possible" related to Ukraine's accession from the final conclusions of an EU leaders' meeting. At a press conference following that meeting, Magyar reiterated his view that opening all six negotiation chapters simultaneously is not advisable. He argued this would send the wrong message to Western Balkan countries like Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, which have been working towards EU membership for many years.

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There are six negotiation chapters in total, and we don't think it's a good idea to start them all at once. Firstly, the ink hasn't even dried on the first agreement, and secondly, it would send the wrong message to the Western Balkan countries.