The European Union must urgently establish a clear roadmap for Ukraine to become a full member of the bloc, half a dozen countries have warned, amid growing concerns that Hungary is attempting to undermine Kyiv's chances.
In a joint letter obtained by POLITICO on Tuesday, top diplomats from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia called on Brussels to produce “concrete proposals on how to decisively advance Ukraine’s accession process.” That comes as European countries scramble to step up support to the country amid a worsening rift with U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration.
“Reaffirming full and unequivocal committment to the EU membership perspective of Ukraine, we call for accelerating the accession process,” the message reads. “The time has come for ambitious and effective decisions in this regard.”
While Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has publicly suggested Ukraine could join the bloc by 2030, the signatories now want action to make sure it actually happens.
“Ukraine has shown a remarkable reform progress — now it is time for us to mobilize the efforts to help Ukraine make this happen,” the letter reads.
The country has had to deliver on sweeping political, economic and policy objectives, while also simultaneously fighting to defend its territory, critical infrastructure and civilians against Russian attacks.
At the same time, the letter warns, the enlargement process should be “predictable and based on own merits,” while “bilateral issues that run counter to the Union’s overall strategic interests must not be used to block progress but rather solved through dialogue in good faith.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has consistently opposed admitting Ukraine to the 27-strong bloc, and his diplomats in Brussels have continually raised objections during the talks — designed to strengthen Kyiv’s institutions and ensure economic and political alignment.
Earlier this month, the populist Hungarian leader announced a non-binding nationwide poll on whether to support Ukraine’s accession. As part of a list of 12 demands for Brussels, released last week, he said the EU must be “a Union, but without Ukraine.”
