Denmark pressures Hungary but does not rule out alternative mechanisms to bring Ukraine closer to EU
This was stated to journalists by Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre Holst before the start of the EU General Affairs Council meeting on Tuesday, September 16, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
"We are still pressing Hungary. Our initial goal is to open cluster one and, preferably, also more clusters. In fact, Ukraine would be ready to open all clusters this year. This is what the European Commission says, and it will be in line with the merit-based approach, which is why we are still pressing Hungary. We are realize that the Hungary is still blocking, and that is why we are also at the same time we not excluding pressure Hungary. We also working on other political or practical measures to see how we can move forward the negotiation process without formally opening the clusters," said Marie Bjerre Holst.
She explained that this could include further assistance to Ukraine in implementing the necessary reforms so that when the decision to officially open the negotiation clusters is taken, they can be closed more quickly.
According to her, one of the steps towards bringing Ukraine closer to the EU this year was the roaming agreement.
She noted separately that Ukraine's continuation of reforms also puts pressure on Hungary, as candidate countries must be assessed on their merits.
"Negotiations with Ukraine is very important. They are important for the EU, and particularly important for the Danish Presidency. It is one of our top priorities, a geopolitical necessity, how we see it is. This is about security in Ukraine, but also security for Europe and our ability to defend ourselves in the future," the minister said.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Ukrainian delegation, together with the European Commission, completed screening meetings in Brussels on negotiation chapter 11, “Agriculture and Rural Development.”
In September 2025, an official screening will be held on Ukraine's accession to the EU under Cluster 5 “Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion Policy.” Within its framework, screenings will be held on three negotiation chapters.
Cluster 5 is the final of six clusters within the bilateral meetings in the screening process. Based on its results, a plan for the further implementation of EU regulations into Ukrainian legislation will be developed. Screening is the beginning of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Photo: EU
