The European Union is not “ not in position » to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Thursday as he arrived at a European summit in Brussels, which is crucial for kyiv.
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THE 10 billion euros of European funds which have been released yesterday by the European Commission have clearly not changed the mind of the Hungarian leader who said it upon his arrival: Ukraine is not yet ready to join the EU, reports our special envoy in Brussels, Daniel Vallot. “ There is no reason to discuss anything, as the conditions (required for opening accession negotiations) have not been met “, declared the nationalist leader, who also opposes budgetary support of 50 billion euros for Ukraine. “ Enlargement is a legally detailed and merit-based process. We have set seven conditions and according to the Commission’s own assessment, three out of seven of them are not met”, declared Viktor Orban again. “ We must return to this subject later, when (the conditions) are methe said. Some say it will be (possible) in March”.
This Thursday, in Brussels, the 27 must agree on whether or not to open accession negotiations for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. They must also decide on potential aid of 50 billion euros to Ukraine. The leaders of the 27 countries of the European Union all supported the opening of accession negotiations with the exception of the Hungarian Prime Minister. Having a de facto right of veto, Viktor Orban continues to put pressure on European authorities. Concerning the 50 billion aid from the EU (in the form of grants and loans – for 2024-2027), Viktor Orban also expressed his refusal of a new envelope for Ukraine. “ If you want money in the long term, a large sum of money, it must be done outside the budget » common, he said.
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Volodymyr Zelensky: “Don’t give Putin this first – and only – victory of the year”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday urged European leaders at a summit in Brussels to allow the opening of accession negotiations with his country, warning that Vladimir Putin would exploit any failure on their part.
“ Don’t give Putin this first – and only – victory of the year “, warned the Ukrainian leader, speaking by videoconference to the heads of state or government of the 27 gathered for a crucial summit for kyiv. He emphasized that “ there was no time for half-measures or hesitation “. “ Today is the day of a political decision in response to what we have accomplished. This involves opening accession negotiations with Ukraine », insisted Volodymyr Zelensky.
Pressure on Viktor Orban
Viktor Orban has already threatened to block very important decisions in the past, before finally abandoning them. The leaders meeting in Brussels, who want to send a positive signal to Ukraine, therefore hope once again to reach a compromise.
This morning, before the plenary opening of the summit, Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz met the Hungarian Prime Minister. Nothing leaked from the interview but it is an indication of the pressure that will be exerted today and tomorrow on the Hungarian leader, both on this question of accession negotiations but also on the 50 billion d euros that the EU wants to bring to Ukraine to help it face Russia and that Viktor Orban is also blocking.
(and with agencies)