EU membership: one country opposes Ukraine's membership and sets its demands

The European Commission recommends beginning negotiations with Ukraine regarding its entry into the EU. Kyiv has completed the necessary tasks for progress. However, Hungary, whose leader is a consistent opponent of Ukraine’s EU membership, disagrees.
This was reported by Zoriana Stepanenko, a correspondent for “Radio Svoboda” in Brussels. 

The European Commission's assessment, presented to member state ambassadors today, is positive. Ukraine had outstanding issues in the areas of anti-corruption, political lobbying oversight, asset transparency of officials, and minority rights. Now, it is considered that Ukraine has completed its homework. The European Commission reported to diplomats that all four steps had been completed and recommended starting accession negotiations with Kyiv.

“Now it’s up to the member states. They must approve the negotiation framework. Once this step is taken, it is the prerogative of the country holding the EU Council presidency to convene an intergovernmental conference to formally start negotiations,” Ana Pisonero says.
All member states must agree to start negotiations, but one opposes. Hungary believes Ukraine has not shown sufficient progress in protecting national minorities. At today’s closed meeting of ambassadors, the Hungarian representative reminded everyone of 11 points, where Budapest outlined its expectations from Ukraine. These include restoring the rights of the Hungarian minority as they existed before 2015, specifically the ability to take exams and receive higher education in Hungarian. The Ukrainian government reported that political dialogue with Hungary is ongoing and that Kyiv is willing to make concessions.

Other EU countries today supported the European Commission’s conclusion and refused to update the list of requirements for Ukraine. They believe Brussels should convene an intergovernmental conference. They aim to hold it on June 25, while Belgium still holds the EU Council presidency. From July, Hungary takes over the presidency and will be able to influence the agenda, and EU concerns that it might stall Ukraine's progress toward the European Union.

After voicing its concerns to Kyiv, the Hungarian representative today called for progress with Serbia and Albania, They have been candidates for EU membership since 2009. Another attempt by the ambassadors of the member countries to overcome Hungarian objections and to agree on the start of negotiations with Ukraine, will be next week.

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