Six EU Nations Call for Action to Fast-Track Ukraine’s Accession Amid Hungarian Opposition

Earlier this week, six Northern European countries called on the European Union to urgently establish a clear roadmap for Ukraine’s membership.

The joint letter, obtained by Politico on March 18, was signed by diplomats from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

They urged the European Commission to produce concrete proposals to advance Ukraine’s accession process, as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán continues to oppose the country’s entry.

The diplomats emphasized Ukraine’s significant progress in political, economic, and policy reforms, despite the ongoing war against Ukraine.

They called for action to ensure that Ukraine’s membership in the EU is not delayed, reiterating the need for “ambitious and effective decisions.” The signatories stressed that the enlargement process should be merit-based and free of obstacles stemming from bilateral disputes.

While EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has indicated that Ukraine could join the bloc by 2030, these nations are seeking to expedite the process.

The letter also cautioned that Hungary, which has consistently opposed Ukraine’s EU membership, should not be allowed to derail the accession process. Orbán’s opposition is seen in his recent proposal for a national poll on Ukraine’s accession and his broader stance that the EU should remain united without Ukraine.

Earlier, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski accused Hungary of obstructing the start of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations. He made the statement to journalists in Brussels on March 17.