Ukraine and the EU aim to start accession talks in June
21 May 2024 12:16
Ukraine and the European Union are working to start formal accession talks as early as June. Moreover, it is Brussels that insists on this, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing Politico.
According to the publication, five European diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the goal is to start formal negotiations as early as 25 June. However, as always, Hungary is an obstacle to the launch of the process. Therefore, behind the scenes, diplomats from the EU and Kyiv are working intensively to persuade the Hungarian government to agree to start the talks.
The situation is complicated by processes within the EU. on 6-9 June, elections to the European Parliament are due to take place there (along with the re-election of the leadership of the European Commission, European Council, etc.) It is known that the EU did not want to start negotiations on Ukraine’s accession before this date, so that Ukraine would not become one of the election topics.
Another danger is Hungary’s EU presidency, which is due to start in July this year and last for six months. Given Hungary’s attitude towards Ukraine, this will make it difficult to start accession talks.
Therefore, Ukraine and its supporters in the EU are calling for an intergovernmental conference between Brussels and Kyiv before Hungary takes over the EU Council presidency on 1 July. Belgian officials (Belgium is currently holding the EU presidency) are planning to hold an intergovernmental conference on 25 June, just days before Budapest takes over the presidency on 1 July.
Hungary has repeatedly threatened to block Ukraine’s accession to the EU, demanding privileges and special treatment for the Hungarian minority.
