Several European nations are pushing the EU to lay out a definitive path for Ukraine’s full membership, raising concerns that Hungary may be working to derail the process.
In a strongly worded joint letter obtained by European media, foreign ministers from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia urged Brussels to present “concrete proposals” to accelerate Ukraine’s accession.
With tensions rising between Europe and U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, pressure is mounting for the EU to step up its support for Kyiv. The letter underscores unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s EU membership and insists that now is the moment for bold, decisive action. While Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has suggested Ukraine could join by 2030, these countries want firm steps to ensure that timeline becomes reality.
Ukraine has made significant strides in reform despite facing relentless Russian aggression. The letter emphasizes the importance of rallying EU efforts to help Ukraine meet its membership goals. However, it also stresses that the accession process must remain fair, transparent, and based on merit, warning against using bilateral disputes as roadblocks.
Meanwhile, Hungary continues to stand in the way. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a longstanding opponent of Ukraine’s EU aspirations, has repeatedly thrown up obstacles in Brussels. His diplomats have voiced objections throughout discussions aimed at aligning Ukraine’s policies and institutions with EU standards.
Taking his opposition a step further, Orbán recently announced a nationwide, non-binding referendum on Ukraine’s potential membership. In a provocative move, he also issued a 12-point declaration calling for an EU “without Ukraine.” With Hungary digging in its heels, Ukraine’s path to EU membership remains uncertain, making it all the more urgent for Brussels to take a firm stance and push forward with clear, strategic decisions.
