All EU Leaders Except Orban Back Opening Ukraine Accession Talks
The European Union summit failed to reach a consensus on relations and further rapprochement with Ukraine due to Hungary's veto.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to European Pravda.
Given the systematic nature of the Hungarian leader's veto, the other capitals continued the practice of making decisions in the “European Union minus Hungary” format. The decision found “strong support” from the remaining 26 states, the European Council said.
All EU states except Hungary affirm that the European Council “confirms Ukraine's inalienable right to choose its own destiny” and “firmly supports Ukraine's path to EU membership.” They also highly appreciated the pace of reforms related to the accession process and welcomed the “significant progress.”
An important element was the decision of the 26 states to call on Ukraine and the European Commission to “intensify work on accession.”
All EU members, except Hungary, also agreed to take note of “the Commission's assessment that Ukraine is ready to open the Foundations cluster.” However, the unanimous consent of all 27 EU members is required for the formal opening of negotiations on the cluster.
In particular, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that Ukraine had fulfilled all the tasks and deserved to open the first cluster in negotiations with the EU, which Hungary is blocking. She said this at a press conference after a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels.
Von der Leyen stressed that Ukraine is adopting reform after reform under constant fire.
"This is impressive. That is why the European Commission is in favour of opening the first cluster of negotiations. Ukraine has done its part — now it's our turn. After all, the accession process is based on merit. And Ukraine deserves to move forward," von der Leyen said.
As is well known, Hungary is determined to continue blocking Ukraine's movement toward the EU.
Read more: Provocations with a Purpose: Hungary's Strategy to Derail Ukraine's European Path