EU Launches New Format of Negotiations with Ukraine, Bypassing Hungarian Veto

The European Union is implementing a new format for technical negotiations with Ukraine regarding enlargement, which is not dependent on a veto from Hungary. This decision was made during an informal meeting of the General Affairs Council, which is responsible for EU enlargement issues.

This is reported by AgroReview

Technical Cooperation Process between Ukraine and the EU

Danish Minister for EU Affairs Marie Bjerre and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi announced that the new approach allows for continued dialogue with Kyiv, despite the position of the Hungarian government. According to Marie Bjerre, Viktor Orbán’s government has not lifted its veto, which has forced other EU countries to seek alternative ways to develop cooperation. She emphasized that it was not possible to officially open Cluster 1, but the technical process – known as “frontloading” – has been initiated and agreed upon at the EU level.

“Many of us are disappointed that we could not officially open Cluster 1, but I am very proud that we managed to agree on the technical process – frontloading,” the minister noted.

Next Steps and the Role of the Hungarian Veto

According to Marie Bjerre, the new approach has already been confirmed, and the next presidency of the EU Council, which will pass to Cyprus, will be able to continue this process. She emphasized that this means the enlargement process for Ukraine is not halted. European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi also confirmed that the technical process in relations between Ukraine and the EU is no longer dependent on the Hungarian veto.

At the same time, Marie Bjerre clarified that this approach may be a temporary solution. A unanimous approval from all EU member states is required to finalize the negotiation chapters, and this stage cannot be bypassed.