Hungary opposes negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban opposes negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, after the European Commission proposed initiating the process.

"Negotiations on Ukraine's membership will not begin. That is Hungary's clear position," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on November 10.

Mr. Orban added that Hungary's refusal to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union (EU) was not related to financial issues, after Budapest claimed Brussels "owed money" to it. "That has nothing to do with the sources of funds that Hungary is entitled to," Prime Minister Orban said.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Brussels, Belgium, on May 30. Photo: Reuters — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Brussels, Belgium, on May 30. Photo: *Reuters*

In December 2022, the EU froze €22 billion in funds allocated to Hungary to demand reforms to the rule of law, escalating tensions between the two sides. The bloc argued that Hungary exerted excessive control over NGOs , academics, the media, and the courts, and passed laws that harmed the rights of the LGBT community, claims that Budapest denied.

Hungary is facing economic stagnation and a growing budget deficit this year, with its inflation rate rising to 25% in the first quarter, the highest in Europe.

Hungary's protest came after the European Commission, the EU's executive body, recommended that member states begin negotiations on Ukraine's membership.

The recommendation from the European Commission is a significant milestone on Ukraine's path to EU accession. EU leaders will decide whether to accept the recommendation at the summit in December. Any decision will require the unanimous agreement of all 27 member states, including Hungary.

Ukraine applied for EU membership a few days after Russia launched its campaign in February 2022. The EU granted Ukraine membership status in June 2022.

To move into the initial phase of accession negotiations, the European Commission outlined seven criteria that Ukraine must meet, including requirements for combating corruption and reforming the judicial system. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine had completed "more than 90% of the necessary steps."

However, even if negotiations begin, Ukraine's accession to the EU could still take years, even decades. Opposition from Hungary could further complicate the process.

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters )

Source link