DistantNews
Support us
Ukraine, Moldova Advance in EU Membership Bids as Hungary Drops Veto
🇮🇪 Ireland /Economy & Trade

Ukraine, Moldova Advance in EU Membership Bids as Hungary Drops Veto

From RTÉ News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The European Union has formally opened accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
  • Hungary has signaled it will drop its long-standing veto against Ukraine's EU membership bid.
  • This move represents a significant step in the European integration of both countries, despite the typically lengthy negotiation process.

The European Union has taken a significant step toward integrating Ukraine and Moldova by formally opening accession negotiations. This decision marks a crucial milestone in their European integration paths, sending a strong message of EU unity and determination, according to Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency.

This marks a significant milestone in their European integration path, and sends a strong message of EU unity and determination.

— Cyprus (rotating EU presidency)Commenting on the EU's decision to move Ukraine and Moldova to the next stage of their membership bids.

While the EU initially opened entry negotiations with Ukraine in June 2024, the process had been stalled by Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, following Orban's ouster in April, Hungary's new Prime Minister Peter Magyar indicated a willingness to move forward, contingent on Budapest's outstanding issues with Kyiv being resolved.

A key breakthrough occurred when Magyar announced a "historic agreement" with Ukraine concerning the rights of its Hungarian ethnic minority. Hungary had sought amendments to Ukraine's minority action plan before consenting to the opening of the first accession cluster. At a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, diplomats confirmed Hungary signaled it would no longer block the opening of this negotiating cluster.

opens the way for progress on the EU accession path of Ukraine

— Marta KosEU enlargement chief, reacting to Hungary's agreement on minority rights.

EU enlargement chief Marta Kos welcomed Magyar's announcement, stating it "opens the way for progress on the EU accession path of Ukraine." This development will allow member states to advance the work on opening the first negotiation cluster with both Ukraine and Moldova. Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee described the move as an "historic milestone" and a "clear signal that the future of both countries lies within the European Union family."

This will allow Member States to take forward the work on opening the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova.

— Marta KosEU enlargement chief, explaining the significance of the agreement.

Ukraine's bid for EU membership, launched as a response to Russia's 2022 invasion, had previously faced hurdles due to Hungarian opposition. Magyar has emphasized that Hungary does not support a fast-track procedure for Ukraine's accession and stated the country would hold a referendum on Ukraine's membership if it succeeds.

historic milestone

— Helen McEnteeMinister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, describing the move.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog