EU Makes Second Attempt to Secure Hungary’s Approval for Ukraine Screening: Key Decisions Expected on July 22.

EU-Hungary Talks on Integrating Ukraine and Moldova

According to UATV: On July 22, 2023, the EU Council’s enlargement working group (COELA) will make another push to get Hungary to endorse the screening results for clusters 2 and 3 concerning Ukraine and Moldova. This endorsement is a critical milestone in the accession process, as it would allow both countries to present their negotiating positions for these clusters. The outcome is particularly significant given the broader geopolitical context, where EU enlargement has gained renewed momentum.

It is worth noting that this information was first reported by 'European Pravda' on July 21, 2023. Additionally, on July 14, 2023, the EU opened the sixth negotiating cluster for Ukraine, signaling an acceleration of the integration process. Earlier, in June 2023, the first cluster, 'Fundamentals,' was launched, further underscoring the EU’s growing support for Ukraine and Moldova.

Diplomatic Outreach and Cooperation with Hungary

Diplomatic efforts led by the Irish Presidency and other EU member states have focused on convincing Hungary’s representative to back the approval of the screening results.

“The Irish Presidency and EU states will make a second attempt to persuade Hungary’s representative to support the decision to approve the screening results and send letters to both countries requesting their negotiating positions on both clusters,” an official statement noted.

These developments reflect an intensification of the EU integration process for Ukraine and Moldova, which is strategically vital for both nations, especially amid current challenges. Endorsing the screening results for clusters 2 and 3 would not only strengthen their negotiating hand but also reaffirm the EU’s commitment to supporting their membership bids. Continued collaboration among EU member states, particularly with Hungary, will remain essential to achieving this goal.