Hungary continues to block opening of agricultural cluster for Ukraine

Hungary has refused to endorse the screening results for negotiation Clusters 4 and 5 as part of Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union. In particular, Cluster 5 covers agriculture, fisheries, regional policy and budgetary matters.

The issue was discussed on October 27 at a meeting of the EU Council’s Working Party on Enlargement (COELA) in Brussels.

“Hungary’s position has not changed,” one of the publication’s sources said.

According to diplomats, the Irish presidency of the EU Council was aware in advance that Budapest did not intend to change its position. Nevertheless, the issue was placed on the agenda again.

One diplomat suggested that the renewed discussion was primarily politically motivated and aimed at increasing pressure on Hungary.

Cluster 5, “Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion,” covers the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, among other areas. Cluster 4, “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity,” includes transport, energy, environment and climate policy.

These are the last two negotiation clusters that have yet to be opened for Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities expect them to be opened by the end of 2026.

Tags: Ukraine, EU, Hungary, agricultural sector