EU Negotiations on Ukraine’s Accession: Hungary Addresses Minority Issues in the First Cluster and Potential Ways to Circumvent Veto
Amid ongoing discussions about Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union, Hungary is once again raising concerns related to minorities within Ukraine, insisting that these issues be addressed early in the negotiation process.
According to recent statements by the European Commissioner for Enlargement, the minority issue involving Hungary should be prioritized within the first cluster of negotiations, which is a crucial step toward Ukraine’s EU membership.
Meanwhile, the EU does not exclude the possibility of bypassing Budapest’s veto, instead urging constructive dialogue on minority concerns during the initial stages, specifically within the first cluster.
The Enlargement Commissioner emphasized that the screening of Ukraine’s and Moldova’s legislation has been completed, and all six negotiation clusters could be opened as early as November, accelerating reforms and Ukraine’s path to joining the EU.
She also stressed that the EU is exploring all options and operates on the principle of merit-based progress; both countries have already fulfilled their obligations.
Furthermore, she expressed hope that Hungary will support the opening of all negotiation clusters, including the first one, considering the commitments regarding Ukraine’s candidate status.
She noted that resolving minority issues within the first cluster could serve as a compromise that advances Ukraine’s European integration efforts.