FT: Hungary will not prevent Ukraine from joining the EU

Hungary has “made it clear” that it will ease its veto this week on moving forward with EU accession talks between Ukraine and Moldova, the Financial Times (FT) reported, citing two unnamed officials. According to them, the Prime Minister of the country Peter Madyar instructed diplomats not to prevent the sending of letters to Kiev and Chisinau about the possible opening of the next two negotiating clusters on the domestic market and competitiveness. They are scheduled to be discussed this week.

The FT believes it is a "procedural but symbolically important" step forward. The full political support of Hungary for the launch of these clusters will depend on whether the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopts a law on expanding the rights of national minorities in the field of education. A vote on the issue in the Ukrainian parliament is scheduled for October 12. The rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine are a key issue for Budapest, and the law was drafted taking into account the views and feedback of Hungarian officials.

Proposals for a new wave of enlargement will be considered by the European Commission at a board meeting on October 6 in Strasbourg. On October 15-16, they will be discussed at the EU summit. At the end of October, the European Commission will present roadmaps for the accession of Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine to the EU.

Details - in the material "Kommersant" "The European Union will expand slowly.".