On Friday, February 14, Hungary blocked the opening of the first negotiation cluster on Ukraine’s EU membership, titled “Foundations,” which concerns the rule of law.
Source: “Espreso“
🔹 Poland, which holds the EU Council presidency, prepared a letter with conditions for opening this cluster, including two roadmaps: ✅ Reforms in the rule of law ✅ Public administration reforms
🔹 However, Hungary became the only country to oppose, demanding the addition of one more condition—a plan for the protection of national minorities.
⚠️ This could lead to the blocking of negotiations in April, as there are still two procedural decisions ahead, each of which can be blocked.
🔸 Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna confirmed that Hungary used the unanimity principle to slow down Ukraine’s accession process.
🔸 It is currently unclear how serious this delay will be. Ukraine hopes to unblock the process soon and is ready to explain the steps already taken in cooperation with the Hungarian minority.