​EU launches new format for negotiations with Ukraine, independent of Hungarian veto

At an informal meeting of the General Affairs Council (which also includes enlargement), the European Union announced the launch of a new format for technical negotiations with Ukraine that are independent of the Hungarian veto.

This was announced by Danish Minister for EU Affairs Marie Bjer and European Commissioner Marta Kos, reports “European Pravda”.

Marie Bjer expressed regret that the government of Viktor Orbán has not lifted its veto, which has forced other European countries to look for ways to circumvent it.

“Many of us are disappointed that we were unable to officially open Cluster 1, but I am very proud that we managed to agree on a technical process – frontloading,” the minister noted.

“Today we confirmed this new approach, and the next presidency, the Cyprus presidency, will be able to continue it… This means that the enlargement process with Ukraine’s participation has not stopped,” she added.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos also confirmed that Ukraine and the EU have now moved to a technical process, in which there is no risk of a veto from the Hungarian side.

Bjer clarified that this path essentially means bypassing the Hungarian veto, but for a certain time. To close the negotiation chapters, it is necessary to obtain the consent of all EU members, and this cannot be bypassed.

Tags: Ukraine, EU