A breakthrough in the initiation of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova is anticipated next week, according to EU sources.
On Wednesday, the issue was revisited at the ambassadorial level, but Hungary presented a list of demands, particularly concerning the rights of national minorities in Ukraine.
Despite the unanimous decision by EU leaders at the December 2023 summit to commence accession talks, the transition to actual negotiations necessitates the adoption of the negotiation frameworks; however, this step requires unanimous approval from all member states.
The European Commission proposed the draft negotiation frameworks for Ukraine and Moldova to member states on March 12. However, progress has stalled at the technical level due to a lack of consensus.
While Budapest has not explicitly threatened a veto, it demands significant amendments to the text regarding Ukraine, but not Moldova. Hungary’s concerns include the rights of national minorities, trade, anti-corruption measures, agriculture, the internal market, and neighborly relations with other countries.
Belgium, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, sought to expedite the matter by bringing it before the ambassadors of member states on Wednesday.
According to an EU source, the overwhelming majority of countries, with the exception of the one, supported a swift breakthrough. “Before the meeting, some member states had reservations, but almost all were resolved to move the matter forward more quickly,” the source noted.
The aim is to hold the first intergovernmental conference with both Ukraine and Moldova in June before Hungary assumes the presidency of the Council of the EU, which could obstruct or delay the process. However, for this to occur, the negotiation frameworks must be agreed upon in the coming days.
Following Wednesday’s meeting, the issue will return to the technical level, with ambassadors set to address it again next week.
Despite the unanimous decision by EU leaders at the December 2023 summit to commence accession talks, the transition to actual negotiations necessitates the adoption of the negotiation frameworks; however, this step requires unanimous approval from all member states.
The European Commission proposed the draft negotiation frameworks for Ukraine and Moldova to member states on March 12. However, progress has stalled at the technical level due to a lack of consensus.
While Budapest has not explicitly threatened a veto, it demands significant amendments to the text regarding Ukraine, but not Moldova. Hungary’s concerns include the rights of national minorities, trade, anti-corruption measures, agriculture, the internal market, and neighborly relations with other countries.
Belgium, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, sought to expedite the matter by bringing it before the ambassadors of member states on Wednesday.
According to an EU source, the overwhelming majority of countries, with the exception of the one, supported a swift breakthrough. “Before the meeting, some member states had reservations, but almost all were resolved to move the matter forward more quickly,” the source noted.
The aim is to hold the first intergovernmental conference with both Ukraine and Moldova in June before Hungary assumes the presidency of the Council of the EU, which could obstruct or delay the process. However, for this to occur, the negotiation frameworks must be agreed upon in the coming days.
Following Wednesday’s meeting, the issue will return to the technical level, with ambassadors set to address it again next week.
Ukraine’s Path to EU Membership:
February 28, 2022: Ukraine applies for EU membership.
June 17, 2022: The European Commission issues an opinion on Ukraine’s application.
June 23, 2022: The European Council grants Ukraine candidate country status, requesting the European Commission to report on Ukraine’s progress in meeting the conditions outlined in its opinion.
February 2023: EU leaders acknowledge Ukraine’s significant efforts toward achieving the objectives of its candidate status.
December 2023: EU leaders decide to start accession negotiations with Ukraine, instructing the Council to adopt the negotiation frameworks after the necessary actions specified in the Commission’s November 8, 2023, report had been completed.
March 2024: EU leaders welcome Ukraine’s progress on its path to EU membership, urging the Council to swiftly adopt the negotiation frameworks and proceed without delay.
February 28, 2022: Ukraine applies for EU membership.
June 17, 2022: The European Commission issues an opinion on Ukraine’s application.
June 23, 2022: The European Council grants Ukraine candidate country status, requesting the European Commission to report on Ukraine’s progress in meeting the conditions outlined in its opinion.
February 2023: EU leaders acknowledge Ukraine’s significant efforts toward achieving the objectives of its candidate status.
December 2023: EU leaders decide to start accession negotiations with Ukraine, instructing the Council to adopt the negotiation frameworks after the necessary actions specified in the Commission’s November 8, 2023, report had been completed.
March 2024: EU leaders welcome Ukraine’s progress on its path to EU membership, urging the Council to swiftly adopt the negotiation frameworks and proceed without delay.
Source: TVP World, PAP, consilium.europa.eu
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