Twenty-six EU member states can open Ukraine's accession negotiation clusters without Hungary – Ukrainian official
Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice, Olha Stefanishyna, has stated that opening negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession to the European Union requires the votes of only 26 EU member states – Hungary's support is not essential.
"We now understand clearly that opening negotiations does not require unanimous agreement from all 27 member states. That used to be the practice in past years, but none of the EU's foundational documents currently mandate unanimous consent for this decision," Stefanishyna said in an interview with Fakty ICTV.
When asked to clarify, she confirmed that 26 member states are sufficient to launch the negotiation clusters, even without Hungary's vote.
"Hungary's obstructionism has prompted a deeper reassessment of the EU enlargement process. Enlargement is a geopolitical decision and a priority for the European Commission, whose mandate was given by all 27 member states. Hungary's 'political dumping,' which undermines the EU's ambitions, has triggered a thorough analysis and search for solutions," she added.
According to her, unanimity is only required to close negotiations or specific chapters.
"This is why – both because of Ukraine and for broader reasons – there is now a question of stripping Hungary of its voting rights," Stefanishyna said.
As previously reported, on May 14 the Cabinet of Ministers approved roadmaps necessary to open the first cluster, "Fundamentals of Membership," in Ukraine's pre-accession negotiations with the EU. On May 30, Ukraine approved its negotiation positions for Cluster 2 "Internal Market" and Cluster 6 "External Relations." The country has also completed screening with the EU on Cluster 3 "Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth."