Hungary has withdrawn its months-long veto, opening the way for Ukraine and Moldova to make further progress in negotiations to join the European Union. On Wednesday, ambassadors from EU member states in Brussels backed the opening of new negotiating chapters focused on the single market and competitiveness.
Until recently, Budapest had blocked the opening of new negotiation clusters. The Hungarian government had tied its support to amendments in Ukrainian legislation regarding the rights of national minorities.
Hungary blocked further progress
Since the summer, Hungary had blocked the opening of two new negotiating clusters. Budapest’s main condition was that Ukraine adopt changes strengthening the rights of national minorities, particularly in education.
The key point in reaching agreement was an upcoming vote in the Ukrainian parliament. Lawmakers are scheduled on Monday to decide on expanding language rights for minorities in education.
The Transcarpathian region is home to a significant Hungarian minority. Budapest has long maintained that protecting the rights of this community must be guaranteed as Ukraine moves closer to EU membership.
The Hungarian government has now dropped its objections to opening further negotiating chapters. However, the formal process must continue at the level of EU member states.
The next step lies with Ukraine’s parliament
Budapest’s decision is linked to the next step expected in Ukraine.
If the Ukrainian parliament approves the proposed changes to minority rights, the path would open for the formal launch of the next phase in accession negotiations.
EU diplomats anticipate that a political decision could be made as early as next week during the meeting of member state ministers in Luxembourg.
This is not about Ukraine’s entry into the EU just yet: opening new negotiation clusters is only one step in the long-term accession process.
Ukraine has already opened the first chapters
Ukraine’s accession talks with the EU formally began in June 2024.
In June 2026, the process advanced to a more concrete phase, starting with negotiations on the first cluster, “Fundamentals,” which includes rule of law, fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, and public administration reform.
In July, a cluster focusing on external relations followed, covering foreign, security, and defense policy.
If two more clusters are opened now, Ukraine will move even deeper into the negotiation process.
Aktualizovane.sk has also covered Ukraine’s progress on its path to Europe, as new clusters in accession negotiations have opened.
What are negotiation clusters?
EU accession negotiations are divided into thematic blocks, known as clusters, each grouping various negotiation chapters.
The candidate country must gradually align its laws, institutions and rules with EU requirements. This covers everything from state functioning and justice to the economy, agriculture, environment, and foreign policy.
Opening a cluster does not mean an area is resolved. Further negotiations, fulfillment of conditions, and closing of individual chapters follow.
Hungary’s veto slowed the process
Budapest’s decision is significant because unanimous support from member states is required for key steps in the accession process.
Hungary was thus able to stall progress through its objections. However, the new government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar has recently signaled a willingness to compromise.
The condition remains legislation in Ukraine regarding minority rights. By backing down, Budapest also gains the opportunity to push its demands concerning the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s EU membership is still far off
Despite the recent breakthrough, actual accession for Ukraine remains a long-term process.
Ukraine must still fulfill a number of conditions, implement reforms, and align its legislation with EU law. Membership is decided after meeting set criteria and completing accession talks.
The EU also stresses that enlargement is based on results. Neither candidate status nor the opening of negotiation clusters means guaranteed future membership.
Further progress will also depend on Ukraine’s ability to continue reforms during wartime and to meet requirements in each area. Brussels links additional aid to Ukraine’s reform progress.
Key days ahead
The next crucial step will be the vote in Ukraine’s parliament on minority rights.
If Ukrainian lawmakers approve the changes, the next formal step in the accession process can follow. The EU would then be able to open further negotiation chapters with Ukraine and Moldova.
The latest developments also show that Ukraine’s path to the EU will depend not only on reforms in Kyiv, but also on agreements and demands from member states.
After months of deadlock, Ukraine now has new space to continue negotiations, but still faces many conditions and negotiation stages on the path to membership.
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Ukraine may apply for membership in the European Union and NATO. Parliament has approved a constitutional amendment.
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
