Ministers from twelve EU countries are urging for Ukraine and Moldova’s EU membership bids to advance before the Hungarian government takes over the EU Council presidency in July. They want formal talks to start by the end of June.
Call for Progress: Ministers from twelve EU nations sent a letter to Belgian foreign minister Hadja Lahbib, pushing for immediate steps in the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova. They believe this will encourage reforms and boost morale in both countries.
Countries Involved: The letter, led by Czechia, was also signed by ministers from Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Portugal, Latvia, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Slovenia, Romania, and Slovakia. France, though not a signatory, is also supportive.
Negotiation Frameworks: The ministers want the EU to adopt negotiation frameworks and hold the first intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova by the end of June. This requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.
Hungary’s Block: Hungary is currently blocking the decision, citing concerns over corruption in Ukraine and the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been vocal against fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession.
Orbán’s Presidency: From July, Hungary will take on the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, giving it significant influence over the agenda. There is concern that Hungary might further delay the accession talks.
Accession Process: EU membership requires extensive reforms, including judicial, constitutional, and economic changes. The process is lengthy, often taking around a decade.
EU Leadership’s Stance: European leaders, including Charles Michel, advocate for accelerating the accession process. They argue that EU enlargement is crucial to avoid a “new Iron Curtain” along the eastern borders.
Criticism and Costs: Critics like Orbán warn that integrating Ukraine, with its low GDP per capita, could strain the EU’s budget. Experts estimate Ukraine’s accession could cost the EU between €110 billion and €136 billion over seven years.
Moving Forward:
The twelve EU ministers argue that given Ukraine and Moldova’s progress and ongoing reforms, it is time for the EU to offer tangible benefits and move forward with their accession. They support phased integration into EU policies and programs, such as energy, the single market, and security, before granting full membership.
The ministers emphasize the importance of progressing with enlargement to ensure stability and strengthen the EU’s geopolitical position. However, Hungary’s resistance and the upcoming presidency pose significant challenges.
