Ukraine and the European Union: Denmark seeks alternative paths to advance Ukraine’s accession negotiations with the EU
Amid an unprecedented blockade by Hungary over the opening of new negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s European integration, Denmark is initiating a strategic approach.
Danish Minister for European Affairs, Marie Børre, announced during the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels on September 16 that the country is actively working on mechanisms to push forward Ukraine’s EU accession process despite Hungary’s objections.This strategy involves implementing political and practical measures designed to reduce dependence on the formal opening of negotiation clusters.
Børre emphasized that Denmark continues to pressure Hungary, stressing the importance of opening at least the first cluster and ideally others within the accession framework.
She stated that Ukraine is ready to open all clusters this year, a move supported by the European Commission.The minister highlighted that ongoing efforts include new political and instrumental initiatives aimed at accelerating the negotiations without waiting for the official cluster openings.
This approach will enable Ukraine to make rapid progress toward EU membership once diplomatic obstacles are removed.During the EU ministers’ informal meeting in Copenhagen, most member states expressed support for advancing Ukraine’s European integration, except Hungary, which remained on the sidelines.
According to Børre, the opening of the first clusters is closer than ever, bringing Ukraine nearer to EU accession.
Previously, Ukraine successfully completed screening for another negotiation cluster and aimed to finish screening the fourth cluster by the end of September, reaffirming its determination and readiness for reforms aligned with European standards.