The European Union has adopted an unprecedented procedure to ensure Ukraine and Moldova’s accession process continues despite Hungary’s blockade of official negotiations, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka announced on 13 September.

Work continues despite veto

Ordinarily, accession talks are frozen if a member state exercises its veto — a fate that has stalled progress for several Western Balkan candidates.

In Ukraine’s case, however, the European Commission and member states have agreed that preparatory work, including the drafting of accession benchmarks, will proceed independently. Hungary is still blocking the formal launch of negotiations, the Kyiv Independent reported.

Hungary’s approval still decisive

Legally, accession can only be completed once all member states give their consent, meaning Hungary’s approval remains legally indispensable. Kachka suggested that by the time Budapest shifts its stance, Ukraine could already have met all technical conditions.

Some EU governments are also considering ways to take certain decisions without Hungary’s agreement — a rare and politically sensitive step.

Budapest isolated

Hungary has consistently opposed Ukraine’s EU bid. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed in August that membership would harm Hungarian farmers, threaten food security, and “open the door to the Ukrainian mafia”.

By June, however, nearly all other EU capitals had endorsed the start of accession talks, acknowledging that Ukraine had met the essential criteria.

Candidate status granted at speed

Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia’s invasion in 2022 and was granted candidate status within months. Since then, Kyiv has pursued a series of reforms to meet accession requirements.

Several EU leaders, including High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, have hinted at “Plan B” and “Plan C” options if Hungary maintains its veto indefinitely.

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