Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban does not want to talk or negotiate about Ukraine’s possible membership in the European Union. He said this on Thursday shortly before arriving in Brussels to attend the EU summit. Starting negotiations is one of the most important items on the agenda.
During the two-day summit, EU member states must make decisions on aid funds for Ukraine. They must also decide whether to start negotiations on Ukraine’s possible membership in the European Union. All member states must agree to this, but Hungary is reluctant.
According to the sources, preliminary consultations were arranged in a small committee with Orban before the start of the summit. President Charles Michel of the Council of Heads of Government and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission will participate in this initial consultation. According to the news agency Reuters German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron are also participating.
In any case, Orban immediately caused tension in relations between the two countries. He stated that with regard to Hungary, there is no room for negotiations on Ukraine’s possible membership in the European Union. According to the Hungarian Prime Minister, the country is simply not eligible because it does not meet the criteria.
Orban is more positive about aid money for Ukraine
Orban also points to next year’s European elections. The Prime Minister said, “Why don’t we leave this matter to the new parliament? We can return to it later.”
Orban is more positive about the EU aid money for Ukraine. “If there is a need to send more money to Ukraine, we should arrange it outside the EU budget. Then it will have our support,” the Prime Minister said. European Union officials put forward this idea last month as an alternative plan.
Outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed confidence in the success of the summit. “So far we have always reached an agreement in Europe. And also with Orban.”
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Hongarije krijgt vlak voor spannende topontmoeting 10 miljard euro van EU
