Hungary isn’t thrilled about Ukraine’s fast-tracked EU candidacy, arguing it undermines the merit-based process that Western Balkan nations have been waiting decades for. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed what he sees as hypocrisy within the bloc, where some countries publicly support enlargement while quietly blocking it behind closed doors.
Long Wait for the Balkans, Fast Track for Ukraine?
Speaking at the Budapest Balkans Forum, Szijjarto pointed out that five Western Balkan nations—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia—have held candidate status for years, yet their accession process drags on. Meanwhile, Ukraine, which applied for membership in 2022, was granted candidate status just months later.
The EU has pushed to accelerate expansion, citing concerns that prolonged delays could increase Russian and Chinese influence in the Balkans. While leaders like Germany’s Annalena Baerbock and Finland’s Petteri Orpo back quicker integration for these countries, the process remains slow.
Ukraine’s Roadblocks to EU Membership
Despite its candidate status, Ukraine faces a mountain of challenges before full membership. The EU insists on sweeping governance reforms, tackling corruption, and aligning laws with the bloc’s standards. And even if all requirements are met, every EU nation must approve its entry—something far from guaranteed.
Former European Council President Charles Michel has suggested Ukraine could join by 2030, but Hungary remains strongly opposed. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has called Ukraine’s rapid accession “unthinkable,” warning it could disrupt the EU’s economic stability.
For now, the question remains: will Ukraine leap ahead, or will the EU prioritize those who’ve been waiting in line for years?
