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Zelenskyy Urges EU to Begin Accession Talks Despite Hungary's Resistance
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
On June 26, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European Union leaders to open the first negotiation cluster in Ukraine’s EU accession talks, stating that Kyiv has fulfilled all the necessary conditions. His remarks were delivered in a video address to EU heads of state, European Pravda reports from Brussels.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the lack of progress on opening negotiations risks damaging trust in the European Union and its ability to honor commitments.
“Ukraine is fulfilling all its obligations regarding EU membership. I firmly state that we have met all the requirements–including those related to our relations with neighboring [EU] countries,” the President said.
As European Pravda notes, the EU previously outlined several conditions in its negotiation framework, including a plan of action on national minorities. These issues have long been used by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a reason to delay Ukraine’s progress toward EU integration. Ukrainian authorities continue to stress their readiness for dialogue with Budapest, if needed.
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“It is only fair that, in response, we receive clear signals of support and recognition of our progress from the EU. Signals about the firmness of Ukraine’s European path, about the fact that Europe fulfills its promises,” Zelenskyy stated. He added that such a signal should be “the opening of the first cluster—Fundamentals—in the negotiation process.”
“We are also working to be ready this year for negotiations across all clusters,” he noted.
Zelenskyy also warned that if the EU cannot bypass the Hungarian veto, it could give the world “a reason to doubt Europe’s words and commitments.”
On the same day, the European Council issued a statement reaffirming its continued support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing aggression. While 26 out of 27 EU member states endorsed the declaration, the Council was unable to reach full unanimity due to Hungary’s opposition.
