Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna has stated that the foundational documents of the European Union contain no provisions that would allow Hungary to block the commencement of accession talks with Ukraine.

Source: Stefanishyna in an interview with Fakty ICTV, a Ukrainian public broadcaster, as reported by European Pravda.

Details: Stefanishyna noted that Denmark assumed the presidency of the EU Council in July, and Ukrainian authorities have already synchronised their plans with Copenhagen.

Quote:"There was a meeting involving President Zelenskyy, the Danish prime minister and two presidents of European institutions. And now we clearly understand that opening negotiations does not require a unanimous decision by all 27 [member states]."

Details:Stefanishyna emphasised that "none of the key provisions in EU documents currently require a unanimous decision for this".

She explained that Hungary’s blocking of the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine prompted a deeper review and reconsideration of the EU enlargement process.

Quote:"This kind of political dumping by Hungary, which undermines the EU’s ambitions through its obstruction, has triggered an analysis and search for solutions. It became clear that neither the Treaty on European Union nor any decisions made by the European Parliament or the European Council require unanimity for this step. Unanimity only applies to closing negotiations or completing specific chapters."

More details:Stefanishyna said that as a result, communication and political efforts must now be carried out with member states.

She also stressed that in this regard, "Denmark has taken quite a radical stance" as it defends "procedural integrity" and "fairness".

Background:

• At the start of its EU Council presidency, Denmark pledged to apply maximum pressure on Hungary to unblock the start of Ukraine’s accession talks.
• At the same time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has not disclosed whether the EU has a plan B should Hungary continue to block the launch of formal negotiations.
• It was previously reported that the EU is working on a plan B in case Viktor Orbán cannot be persuaded.

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