Lithuania Proposes Bypassing Hungary to Advance Ukraine's EU Accession Talks

Tensions between Hungary and Ukraine have escalated as Hungary continues to block Ukraine's European Union accession talks. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's veto has stalled negotiations, prompting Lithuania to propose a workaround. In a letter sent to EU capitals ahead of an informal meeting of foreign ministers in Copenhagen on September 1-2, Lithuania urged the EU to take decisive action to make Ukraine's membership bid "tangible and irreversible." The letter emphasized that initiating talks would bolster Ukrainian morale and support necessary reforms amid ongoing Russian aggression.

Lithuanian National Radio and TelevisionLithuania wants to bypass Hungary and start talks on Ukraine’s EU accessionKyiv IndependentTime for accession talks: the EU must not use Orbán's veto to punish UkraineHungary and Slovakia in spat with Ukraine over bombed Druzhba oil pipelineBenelux countries confident: Ukraine and Moldova share common future in EUBelgian Foreign Minister Urges Countries Blocking Ukraine’s EU Path to Remember Their Own History

Lithuania's Acting Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys highlighted the geopolitical risks of further delays, stating that Ukraine's EU membership is integral to Europe's security guarantees. The proposal suggests starting technical-level accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova without Hungary's approval, contingent upon agreement from the other 26 EU member states. This approach aims to circumvent Hungary's veto while still allowing for formal negotiations should Budapest's position change.

Lithuanian National Radio and TelevisionLithuania wants to bypass Hungary and start talks on Ukraine’s EU accessionKyiv IndependentTime for accession talks: the EU must not use Orbán's veto to punish UkraineBenelux countries confident: Ukraine and Moldova share common future in EUHungary and Slovakia in spat with Ukraine over bombed Druzhba oil pipelineUkraine, Moldova ready to launch EU accession talks on Cluster 1 – Ukraine's trade rep

Ukraine and Moldova have expressed readiness to open negotiations on the first cluster of the EU accession process, known as "Fundamentals." This readiness was confirmed by the European Commission during a meeting with the global parliamentary network United for Ukraine (U4U). Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka emphasized the importance of this step for both countries' internal stability and broader regional security.

Ukraine Advances EU Integration and Investment TalksUkraine, Moldova ready to launch EU accession talks on Cluster 1 – Ukraine's trade repParliamentary network United for Ukraine calls on EU to open first negotiation cluster with Ukraine in early SeptTime for accession talks: the EU must not use Orbán's veto to punish UkraineLithuanian National Radio and TelevisionLithuania wants to bypass Hungary and start talks on Ukraine’s EU accessionKyiv Independent

Critics argue that Hungary's veto serves as a tool for political leverage rather than a legitimate concern for EU unity. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot urged countries obstructing Ukraine's EU path to remember their own historical reliance on support from others. The ongoing diplomatic tensions have been exacerbated by recent Ukrainian attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which supplies oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Orbán's government has framed these attacks as a direct threat to Hungary's sovereignty, further complicating the dialogue between Budapest and Kyiv.

Hungary and Slovakia in spat with Ukraine over bombed Druzhba oil pipelineLithuanian National Radio and TelevisionLithuania wants to bypass Hungary and start talks on Ukraine’s EU accessionBelgian Foreign Minister Urges Countries Blocking Ukraine’s EU Path to Remember Their Own HistoryBenelux countries confident: Ukraine and Moldova share common future in EUKyiv IndependentTime for accession talks: the EU must not use Orbán's veto to punish Ukraine

The European Commission has expressed skepticism about bypassing Hungary's veto, emphasizing that any negotiation chapter requires unanimous consent from all member states. Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho reiterated that while support for Ukraine's reforms remains strong, the decision ultimately lies with the Council.

Lithuanian National Radio and Television

The proposals from Lithuania are set to be discussed at the upcoming informal meeting in Copenhagen, where EU foreign ministers will address the ongoing war in Ukraine and its implications for EU enlargement. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact Ukraine's path toward EU membership and the broader geopolitical landscape in Europe.

Lithuanian National Radio and Television

• “Any further delay is geopolitically harmful to both Ukraine and the EU. Ukraine’s membership is part of Europe’s security guarantees and essential for long-term peace and stability.” — Kestutis Budrys, Acting Foreign Minister of Lithuania

Lithuanian National Radio and Television

• “We want the EU to remain united — both regarding our path toward membership and within global efforts to achieve peace,” Kachka stated.” — Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine

Ukraine Advances EU Integration and Investment Talks

• “We hope that those European countries complicating Ukraine’s path to a European future understand that they too once needed help from others. Some of us have forgotten our own history. But they should not forget what others did for them. If their countries had held others hostage to national interests, they might not be where they are today. Do not forget this.” — Maxime Prévot, Belgian Foreign Minister

Belgian Foreign Minister Urges Countries Blocking Ukraine’s EU Path to Remember Their Own History

• “And the only reason why at least the first cluster has not yet been opened is Hungary’s veto.” — Editorial Board of European Pravda

Time for accession talks: the EU must not use Orbán's veto to punish Ukraine

• “We hope that those European countries complicating Ukraine’s path to a European future understand that they too once needed help from others. Some of us have forgotten our own history. But they should not forget what others did for them. If their countries had held others hostage to national interests, they might not be where they are today. Do not forget this.” — Maxime Prévot, Belgian Foreign Minister

Belgian Foreign Minister Urges Countries Blocking Ukraine’s EU Path to Remember Their Own History

• “We are counting on your support after the war as well.” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine