EU to Open First Negotiation Chapter for Ukraine’s Accession: Hungary Lifts Block After Agreement on Minority Rights

The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU has announced preparations to open the first negotiation chapter regarding the accession of Ukraine and Moldova. Find out what this development means, what role Hungary played, and when discussions will resume at the EU level

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The European Union has taken an important step toward enlargement: The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU announced preparations for the official opening of the first negotiation cluster on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova. This was reported by the Council of the EU.

“This event marks an important milestone on the path to European integration for Ukraine and Moldova and is a clear demonstration of the EU’s unity and determination,” the Council noted.

Read also: The EU will begin accession negotiations with Ukraine as early as June — should we expect rapid European integration?

Hungary lifts its veto following agreements on minority rights

Until recently, Hungary had been blocking the opening of negotiations. However, the situation changed after new Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced his readiness to support the opening of the first round of negotiations. This was based on agreements with Ukraine regarding the protection of the rights of the Hungarian minority.

At the same time, Budapest remains consistent in its position: Hungary does not support Ukraine’s accelerated accession to the EU, but is ready to unblock the start of negotiations on the first cluster. This is a nuance that is important to understand: lifting the block does not mean full support for membership.

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What’s next: EU-level discussions in June

The next step is to continue discussions on opening negotiation clusters for Ukraine at the EU level in June. This means the process is moving forward, albeit gradually.

European integration is a long legal and administrative process. For those who already live in Europe or frequently travel by car between Ukraine and EU countries, it’s worth taking care of the practical details of travel: an electronic road vignette for various countries can be conveniently obtained online via the Visit Ukraine platform—without lines or paperwork.

We remind you! The European Union is discussing a new format for Ukraine’s integration against the backdrop of the ongoing EU accession process. Read what the status of an “associated member” of the EU entails and what rights Ukraine could obtain.

Photo: centralbaku / Freepik

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