Andriy Ermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, discussed the European integration of Ukraine with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó.
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In the coming days, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine plans to adopt a number of important European integration bills. We will fully fulfill our obligations, Andrey Ermak emphasized.
He noted that Ukraine is counting on a positive decision at the December meeting of the European Council, which will take place on December 14-15, regarding the start of negotiations with Ukraine on EU membership.
In addition, we discussed the possibility of a meeting between Voloidmir Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Orban and agreed to work on determining a convenient date for such a meeting.
Background
The closer we get to the EU summit on December 14-15, the more public and behind-the-scenes attempts the EU makes to convince chief opportunist Viktor Orban to change his position regarding the start of accession negotiations for Ukraine.
On November 8, the European Commission recommended starting a formal negotiation process with Ukraine.
Now, at a summit on December 14-15, the leaders of the 27 EU member states must decide whether to accept the European Commission’s recommendation. On December 5, EU ambassadors began discussing opening negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, the conditions of Georgia, Bosnia and other countries.
Only Hungarian leader Orban has so far openly opposed the European Commission’s recommendation to begin negotiations on Ukraine’s membership in the EU. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico says his government “supports the European perspective of Ukraine and Moldova, but together with the countries of the Western Balkans.”
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schalenberg also noted that EU leaders “cannot give preference to Ukraine” over the Western Balkan countries.
Everyone in Brussels understands that the main target of their pressure should be Orban. The Chairman of the European Council, Charles Michel, managed to fly to Budapest – he is very similar to our Shmygal.
Emmanuel Macron subsequently invited Orbán to a meeting in Paris. The Élysée Palace believes Orban can still be convinced that he has simply “upped the ante” to get more money from the EU.
Orban “mined” four Western decisions
Orban is holding back key Western decisions on Ukraine. The following four important issues depend on Hungary:
- macro-financial package of 50 billion euros for 2024-2027;
- Military assistance from the EU worth 20 billion euros for 2024-2027;
- 500 million euros of ongoing military aid (Hungary is already blocking)
- Beginning of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.