Negotiations for Ukraine’s accession to the EU: Emmanuel Macron expects Viktor Orbán “to behave like a European”

“I didn’t change my number.” Friday, during a European summit, Emmanuel Macron launched an appeal to Vladimir Putin: the French president remains contactable for the Russian leader, if the latter has “serious proposals” to make for peace in Ukraine. The question of its membership in the European Union was at the heart of the discussions in Brussels. The negotiations opened in the absence of Viktor Orbán. But a few hours later, the Hungarian Prime Minister vetoed the granting of 50 billion euros in financial aid to kyiv.

Faced with his counterpart’s decision, Emmanuel Macron raised his voice, with a warning that was both firm and kind. “Hungary was respected during this Council, it has a voice carried by its Prime Minister, it defends its interests (…) This respect implies responsibilities,” insisted the French president during a press conference.

“Let him not take our political progress hostage”

“I expect from Viktor Orbán in the coming months that, being respected, his legitimate interests being taken into account, he will behave like a European and not take our political progress hostage.” Emmanuel Macron knows it: Viktor Orbán alone has the power to block Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, because the unanimity of the 27 is required throughout the process which will last several years.

On the other hand, on the financial aspect of support for kyiv, the Hungarian Prime Minister is less decisive. For the moment, he refuses to sign a European check for 50 billion euros over four years in favor of Ukraine. But on this issue, other countries will be able to circumvent its veto. Hence this warning subtly slipped by Emmanuel Macron, who reminds him that “our treaties allow us, ultimatelyto continue moving forward.”

Negotiations to unlock this aid considered vital by Ukraine will resume next month at a new European summit.