Hungary blocks EU statement on enlargement over Ukraine
As DW reported, Denmark's Minister for European Affairs, Marie Bjerre stated this on the margins of consultations in Brussels, according to Ukrinform.
According to Bjerre, the Hungarian government said it would not support a positive assessment of developments in Ukraine. At the same time, she added that this element of the assessment cannot be excluded, as it is supported by all other EU member states.
She said that 26 member countries were showing strong support for Ukraine and that Ukraine was fulfilling its commitments.
Bjerre noted that the wording regarding Ukraine is "fair and honest."
Hungary's veto means that Ukraine cannot yet begin formal accession negotiations with the EU. At the same time, Bjerre emphasized that the accession process is moving forward, as work is being carried out informally, noting that Ukraine was receiving instructions on how to implement reforms, what exactly needed to be done, and what most member states wanted the country to achieve.
She called the accession process "very much alive" and expressed confidence that Ukraine could make progress very quickly if Hungary lifts its veto.
Denmark holds the EU presidency until the end of the current half-year.
As reported, Hungary, using the principle of unanimity in decisions on EU enlargement, is blocking the process of starting negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that blocking Ukraine's European integration by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a form of support for Vladimir Putin.
On November 4, the European Commission adopted the annual Enlargement Package, which sets out a comprehensive assessment of the progress achieved by Ukraine and other "enlargement partners" over the past 12 months. This year's package confirms that enlargement momentum is one of the EU's priorities, and that the accession of new member states is becoming increasingly attainable.
Zelensky said that Ukraine is confidently moving toward EU membership and is ready to open clusters 1, 2, and 6.
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