Tusk Backs Hungary on Ukraine EU Accession, Cites Need for Equal Criteria

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has voiced support for Hungary's position, which blocked a provision for accelerated EU accession for Ukraine during a recent summit. Tusk stated that the conditions for joining the European Union must be the same for all candidate nations.

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To write into the conclusions 'that it enters as soon as possible' practically means nothing. It is enthusiasm without coverage.

Speaking to Polish journalists in Brussels, Tusk emphasized that the Western Balkans should not face different criteria than Ukraine in their EU accession processes. He described the idea of rapid entry as "enthusiasm without coverage," reiterating that candidate countries must meet established criteria. Tusk recalled initiating Ukraine's accession process but insisted it must be under equal terms for everyone.

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I do not doubt at all that the EU should expand. But I would like it to expand so that Ukraine, the Western Balkan countries, and Moldova fulfill the set criteria themselves as quickly as possible.

Tusk observed a change in the EU summit's atmosphere concerning Ukraine, noting the absence of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the more assertive stance of current leaders. He acknowledged that while leaders are more open about supporting Ukraine, including its actions against Russian territory, the new Hungarian representative, Peter Magyar, has been direct about Hungary's position not changing entirely post-election.

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Prime Minister Magyar acted very openly and honestly and is completely right. He said that the fact that he won the elections does not mean that Hungary has changed its mind about Ukraine 100 percent.

The Polish leader also touched upon EU sanctions against Russia, suggesting a new package could be adopted quickly, potentially including cryptocurrencies and "shadow fleet" tankers used to circumvent oil sanctions. Tusk mentioned meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, conveying that Kyiv seems to understand that certain historical issues and the naming of military units will not be accepted in Poland. Tusk affirmed his strong support for Ukraine, citing moral and Polish interests, but stressed the need for mutual respect and sensitivity from Kyiv towards allies like Poland.

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I am firmly on the side of Ukraine, not only because it is moral, but also because it is in Poland's interest, but Ukraine is also obliged to respect active allies like Poland, who are essential to it, to ensure that respect is mutual, as well as sensitivities on some topics.