Hungary has delayed a key procedural step needed to advance Ukraine and Moldova’s EU accession talks, Politico reports, putting at risk a timeline for opening all negotiating clusters in the coming weeks.
According to two EU diplomats cited by Politico, Budapest blocked the adoption of a formal letter that would have confirmed the bloc’s joint position on progressing accession negotiations.
The move required unanimous approval from all 27 member states, meaning Hungary’s objection was enough to stall the process. The issue is expected to return for discussion next week.
First EU accession cluster opened after years of vetoes
The decision follows the European Union’s 15 June agreement to open the first formal negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, marking the start of structured accession talks after years of delays and vetoes, including earlier resistance from Hungary.
Hungary, under previous Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, had been the main obstacle to opening accession negotiations for Ukraine, repeatedly blocking procedural steps despite Kyiv and Chisinau receiving candidate status in 2022.
New Prime Minister Péter Magyar has allowed some progress, including agreement to open the first negotiation cluster, but has pushed back on accelerating subsequent procedural steps in Ukraine and Moldova’s accession talks.
Cluster talks delayed
The blocked letter was intended to set out a shared EU position on accelerating the accession process and moving toward opening additional negotiating clusters covering core policy areas.
Ukraine and Moldova now face uncertainty over their previously outlined goal of opening all six negotiating clusters by mid-July, a timeline outlined by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka earlier this month.
Hungary signals cautious approach
Politico reports that the move aligns with the stance of Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who has taken a more reserved position on Ukraine’s EU membership process.
While Budapest did not oppose opening the first cluster, it has pushed back against accelerated sequencing of negotiations. According to EU diplomats, Hungary also insisted on removing references to opening talks “as soon as possible” from recent EU conclusions.
At a press briefing after last week’s European Council meeting, Magyar said opening all clusters at once would be “not a good idea,” arguing that the process should proceed step by step and also reflect sensitivities around Western Balkan candidates.
Enlargement process remains politically sensitive
Ukraine and Moldova’s accession bids remain politically linked, meaning procedural delays affecting one country impact both simultaneously.
Despite the latest setback, EU member states had previously agreed on June 15 to open the first negotiation cluster, covering fundamental governance and rule-of-law standards – the initial stage of the accession process.
Further progress now depends on unanimous agreement among EU capitals, leaving enlargement talks vulnerable to renewed internal divisions.
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