Minister will put pressure on Hungary’s EU blockade against Ukraine

As the only EU member state, Hungary is blocking the process for Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

It is both “disappointing and unreasonable,” says European Minister Marie Bjerre (V) in connection with the presentation of Denmark’s priorities for the upcoming EU presidency on Thursday.

– It is unreasonable that negotiations on Ukraine’s membership have not been opened. Ukraine is fully ready for it and has made the necessary reforms to take the first steps.

– It is disappointing that it has not been possible, and that Hungary is blocking it. This is not something the Polish presidency can do anything about. 26 countries support it, but a single member state is blocking it, says Bjerre.

The minister acknowledges that she had hoped that Poland, which Denmark will follow with the presidency, would have succeeded in opening the first negotiations.

During the spring, 26 out of 27 EU countries voted to open the first negotiations with Ukraine regarding membership in the union.

But Hungary has voted against, and therefore the process is blocked. Under Denmark’s presidency, “we will have to continue the pressure.”

– We will particularly prioritize Ukraine. Negotiations with Ukraine regarding membership have not been opened, but we will push for that during the presidency, says the European Minister.

It is generally a priority from the Danish side to expand the EU, so Europe gains a “greater geopolitical weight,” it is stated.

In addition to Ukraine, Denmark hopes for “significant progress” in the process for possible memberships for Moldova and countries in the Western Balkans.

– No new member states will join under our presidency, but we would like to push for the process, says Marie Bjerre.

On Thursday, the Danish EU presidency launched the priorities “Safe Europe” and “Competitive and Green Europe” for the next six months.

In addition to defense and competitiveness, Denmark will focus on irregular migration and the green transition.

Denmark will take over the presidency on July 1 after Poland, which focused on security following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

It will be Denmark’s task for half a year to set direction, ensure progress, and strengthen unity in a crucial moment for Europe. This will happen, among other things, by leading the meetings when member states gather.