EU Commissioner explained why the European Union cannot open accession talks with Ukraine

The European Union can open the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine only with the consent of all 27 member states, but Hungary is blocking the process over the issue of minority rights.

This was stated by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos at a briefing.

“The best way to resolve this problem is precisely through the process of European integration. The sooner Hungary allows us to open the first cluster, the sooner we will be able to discuss all their concerns. I believe this is also the best answer to Mr. Orbán,” she said.

The commissioner highlighted the record speed of screening Ukrainian legislation and called the fight against corruption a key condition for investment and reconstruction.

Earlier today, Kos also stated that Ukraine needs to adopt an action plan for national minorities.

It should be recalled that the rollback of a significant part of minority rights over the past eight years has been a key issue in Ukraine’s conflict with Hungary, which is why Budapest is blocking Kyiv’s accession to the EU.

Meanwhile, Western media have reported that the European Union cannot bypass Hungary’s veto blocking the start of Ukraine’s membership negotiations.