Hungary suggests concluding a strategic partnership agreement with Ukraine within the EU, but without allowing Kyiv to join the EU

Hungary is proposing to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Ukraine within the EU, aiming to elevate cooperation levels but without granting Kyiv membership in the European Union.

This was stated by the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, essentially reshaping the EU agenda and proposing an attractive alternative.

“I propose entering into a strategic partnership agreement with the Ukrainians, which would involve agreements on various issues such as agriculture, customs, and security. I advocate for boosting our cooperation, but that does not imply membership,” said the leader in an interview with Le Point magazine.

According to him, if Ukraine manages to ‘get closer to Europe’ after meeting these conditions, further steps could be considered in a few years. Orban emphasized his intent to convince French President Emmanuel Macron of the necessity of such measures.