Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as they attend the swearing-in ceremony of Argentina’s President-elect Javier Milei at the National Congress, in Buenos Aires, Argentina December 10, 2023. REUTERS/Matias Bagliett
In a defiant stance against mounting pressure from fellow European Union member states, Hungary declared on Monday its unwavering refusal to greenlight accession talks with Ukraine. The impending clash sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation at the EU summit scheduled for December 14-15.
Expressing concern over the potential repercussions, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister emphasized the devastating impact on both his country and the EU if the summit fails to authorize membership talks, along with increased financial and military support for Kyiv in its struggle against Russia’s ongoing invasion. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has ominously threatened to veto crucial aid and enlargement discussions.
While several EU states, including economic powerhouse Germany, have voiced support for initiating negotiations with Kyiv to facilitate its long and arduous path to EU membership, Hungary remains resolute in its opposition.
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, preempting a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, took to Facebook to assert Hungary’s position. He decried the majority of European politicians pushing for decisions lacking strategic consensus on the future of Europe, vowing not to succumb to any form of pressure, blackmail, or promises.
This isn’t the first instance of Hungary diverging from its EU counterparts. Previously, Budapest diluted sanctions against Russia and, in December of the preceding year, thwarted a deal granting Ukraine a substantial 18 billion euros in 2023. The deadlock was eventually broken after protracted negotiations surrounding EU aid to Hungary, which had been impeded by concerns of democratic regression under Orban’s leadership.
Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna of France expressed hope for European unity in sending clear messages to Hungary. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis framed the situation as a clash of ideologies, distinguishing between those advocating for a strong Europe and those opposing the EU altogether.
As the EU grapples with the challenge of securing Hungary’s support for Ukraine, the European Commission is expected to unlock access to 10 billion euros for Budapest this week. Diplomats speculated that related aspirations of Georgia and Bosnia to advance their EU integration, supported by Hungary, could be thwarted if Hungary vetoes talks with Ukraine. However, some remain optimistic about the possibility of a compromise, suggesting a delayed start to negotiations with Ukraine in March once all conditions are met. The diplomatic landscape remains tense, with the outcome poised to influence not only the fate of Ukraine but also the broader dynamics within the European Union.
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