Hungary has blocked the next step in the European Union accession process for the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine without providing clear explanations. The decision was taken on October 20 during a meeting of experts from the EU’s 27 member states, despite Budapest’s previously stated demands reportedly having been met, Kyiv Independent reports, citing European diplomats.
The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are advancing in parallel in their EU accession processes, which involve opening six negotiation clusters focused on the reforms needed to align their legislation with EU standards. On October 13, the two countries secured the opening of two additional clusters, while two more are expected to be opened by the end of the year. These cover areas such as agriculture, the environment, and transport.
The unanimous approval of all member states was required to initiate the procedure for opening the remaining clusters, but Hungary opposed the move. According to a diplomat quoted by the publication, representatives of the other countries asked their Hungarian counterparts for an explanation but received no clear answer. Budapest reportedly only stated that it was maintaining its previous position.
The deadlock is reportedly unrelated to the educational rights of Ukraine’s Hungarian minority, as Kyiv adopted a law on the issue on October 12. Diplomats cited by Kyiv Independent believe Hungary’s opposition could be temporary, intended to avoid accusations from the domestic opposition that the government in Budapest is being too conciliatory towards Ukraine.
The issue is expected to return to the agenda of meetings dedicated to EU enlargement until the deadlock is resolved. Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU, which is coordinating discussions until the end of the year, considers advancing the candidacies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine a priority. European officials estimate that the final two negotiation clusters could be officially opened in December.