EU: Ukraine fears “devastating consequences” of disagreements

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warned Europe on Monday. He recalls the “devastating consequences” that a lack of consensus among the 27 European Union (EU) member states to begin his country’s accession negotiations could have.

“I cannot imagine, I don’t even want to think about what devastating consequences could happen if the European Council does not take a decision not only on Ukraine, but also on the enlargement of the EU,” he said upon arrival in Brussels (Belgium) , European capital.

“We’ve done our part. We expect the European Union to do its job,” he continued, three days before a crucial summit in which the leaders of 27 countries are expected to decide whether to begin accession talks for Ukraine. “You can’t go against the tide of history,” he continued. “Ukraine will become a member of the EU. The only question is whether someone will slow the process down, at a cost, or whether we can move forward smoothly.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban remains adamant in his opposition to opening up this process, as well as increasing aid to Ukraine. The European Commission recommended opening EU accession talks with Ukraine in November, as it did with Moldova, two countries that received candidate status in June 2022, months after Russia launched the war. The EU executive also proposed providing Ukraine with €50 billion in aid until 2027 as part of the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term budget.

Hungary’s “sad” situation, according to Finland

“I hope that the unity of the European Union will not be disrupted, because now is not the time to weaken our support for Ukraine,” said the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, upon arrival in Brussels. “The situation in Hungary is truly deplorable,” said Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonene. “It is very important that we continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary,” she added.

“We must make strategic decisions and commit ourselves to the victory of Ukraine, if we do not do this, the cost will be incredibly high,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said. Asked about the position of Hungary, Russia’s closest ally in the EU, the minister, whose country was once part of the Soviet Union, considered it anti-European. “I understand Hungary’s position, and not only on Ukraine, only in that it is directed against Europe and everything that Europe stands for. »