Hungary Blocks Ukraine’s EU Clusters For Third Time, Offers to Unblock Them in Exchange for Minority Rights Progress
Hungary blocked Ukraine’s second and third EU accession clusters for a third time on Tuesday, Sept.1, though Budapest said it would lift its objection if Kyiv shows progress on protecting the rights of Ukraine’s Hungarian minority. The refusal again prevented the EU from approving screening results needed to advance negotiations because unanimity from all 27 EU member states is required.
Hungary has rejected Ukraine’s EU accession process for the third time, insisting that Kyiv improve protection of the Hungarian minority’s rights in exchange for lifting its objection. The EU Council’s Working Party on Enlargement and Countries Negotiating Accession (COELA) convened its first meeting after the summer recess on Tuesday, September 1.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources in Brussels, Hungary refused to endorse screening results for Ukraine’s second and third negotiation clusters, preventing the Council from advancing preparations to officially open these clusters, which require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. The decision blocks the path forward for formal opening of the clusters, with Ukraine required to meet its bilateral commitments on minority rights before proceeding.
During previous meetings, Hungary only agreed to advance Cluster 3 for Moldova, with most EU countries, led by Ireland, opposing the separate tracks for Ukraine and Moldova. The next COELA meeting is set for Wednesday, September 2, though Ukraine and Moldova are not currently on the agenda. Cluster 2 focuses on the EU internal market, while Cluster 3 addresses competitiveness and inclusive growth.
Hungary had previously obstructed technical work on clusters 2 through 6 for Ukraine, but eventually lifted its objection to Cluster 6, which includes foreign and security policy, trade policy, and relations with third countries. Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orban frequently opposed Ukraine’s EU membership, citing concerns over the rights of ethnic Hungarian communities in Ukraine.
However, Magyar has adopted a markedly different stance, signing a "historic agreement" with Ukraine in June to secure the rights of Hungarian minorities in Transcarpathia. Yet, Hungary has continued to block the remaining four clusters, delaying Ukraine’s progress in the final stages of its accession negotiations.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
