Hungary Signals Breakthrough on Ukraine, Moldova-EU Talks

Key Points:

• Ukraine and Moldova are nearing the start of formal EU membership negotiations, with Hungary signaling a willingness to lift its veto on Kyiv’s accession bid after previous opposition under Viktor Orban.
• The EU plans to open the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine and Moldova at an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg on June 15, marking the beginning of detailed talks on required reforms.
• Hungarian and Ukrainian officials recently discussed minority rights, with Ukraine providing assurances through an 11-point plan addressing Hungary’s concerns, though some requests will take time to implement.
• EU ambassadors are drafting a common position based on Ukraine’s reform plans and minority protections, with unanimous approval from all 27 member states needed to advance the accession process.
• The EU will unlock €16.4 billion in previously frozen funds for Hungary after policy reforms under its new government, including measures to combat corruption and restore academic freedom, ending a freeze linked to concerns over rule-of-law issues during Orban’s tenure.