Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has celebrated a victory for Ukraine and Europe as European Union leaders agreed to begin membership negotiations with Kyiv. However, Hungary’s threat to block crucial financial aid to Ukraine dampened the mood just hours later.
European Council President Charles Michel made the announcement on Thursday, calling it a clear signal of hope for their people and for our continent. Zelensky hailed the decision as a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe.
The EU also agreed to open negotiations with Moldova and granted EU candidate status to Georgia. However, the situation changed when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, blocked a proposal to include 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in financial aid to Ukraine.
Orban had promised to block the membership deal and funding, stating that they were not in Hungary’s or the EU’s interests. He demanded that Brussels release frozen funds of over 30 billion euros ($32.8 billion) to Hungary.
Hungary’s actions have complicated the EU’s efforts to support Ukraine and have raised concerns. Orban threatened to halt Ukraine’s membership talks and withhold approval for the funding package unless Hungary receives the full amount it believes it deserves.
While insisting that Hungary is not pro-Russian, the Kremlin praised Budapest for defending its interests. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov argued that Ukraine and Moldova’s potential EU membership could destabilize the EU.
Zelensky has been actively seeking support for Ukraine, including a visit to the United States to seek funding. US President Joe Biden has argued that blocking new spending only benefits Russia.
Ukraine’s bid to join the EU gained momentum following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The EU set reform benchmarks for Kyiv to complete before initiating membership talks.
The EU’s decision to open membership negotiations with Ukraine is seen as a significant step in countering Russian and Chinese influence. However, Hungary’s opposition raises concerns about the future of Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
The road ahead for Ukraine will be challenging, but Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal expressed unity and readiness to navigate the journey.
If Ukraine achieves EU membership while the war with Russia continues, EU countries will be obliged to provide support and respect Ukraine’s membership. This would also result in a longer border between the EU and Russia and Belarus, impacting security, migration, and defense.
EU leaders remain hopeful that a deal can be reached early next year amid ongoing negotiations. The situation will continue to unfold, with Ukraine and Europe awaiting further developments in membership negotiations and financial aid.
In the meantime, Zelensky and his allies will continue their efforts to secure support for Ukraine as they face geopolitical challenges and seek to strengthen ties with the EU.
