Hungary has blocked the final two reform clusters for Moldova and Ukraine's accession negotiations
Hungary has blocked the next stage of the Republic of Moldova's and Ukraine's accession to the European Union, even though it had met its previous demands. These statements were made by national and EU diplomats to The Kyiv Independent on October 20.
The publication notes that Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova are advancing together in the EU accession process, with the goal of opening all six groups of negotiating chapters—referred to as "clusters." So far, four clusters have opened, with the most recent two on October 13. Two remain, and they are expected to open by the end of the year.
On October 20, technical experts from the 27 European Union member states met to agree on a procedural step that would initiate the unblocking of the final two clusters of reforms, covering agriculture, the environment, and transport. However, Hungary blocked this initiative—to the disappointment of the other 26 countries—three diplomats told The Kyiv Independent.
According to one diplomat, when their counterparts asked them to explain their position, the Hungarian representatives failed to do so. Instead, Hungary reportedly indicated that its stance remains unchanged. The Permanent Representation of Hungary to the EU was asked for comment but did not respond before the article was published.
The publication notes that Hungary’s position cannot rest on the educational rights of the Hungarian-speaking minority in Ukraine, since Kyiv adopted legislation addressing this issue on October 12. At the same time, the blockade is expected to be temporary—a move likely intended to prevent the Hungarian government from being perceived by its domestic opposition as being "soft" on Ukraine. The matter is set to be raised at every subsequent working group meeting until the impasse is resolved. Advancing the accession bids of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova is a stated priority for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which chairs the meetings until the end of the year. High-ranking officials from EU institutions and national administrations have told The Kyiv Independent that they expect the final two clusters of negotiating chapters to be officially opened in December.
