Hungary blocked the unlocking of the final groups of reforms for Moldova and Ukraine’s accession to the EU (Sources)

Hungary blocked, on October 20, the next procedural step toward unblocking the final two reform clusters in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, three diplomats told the Kyiv Independent. The decision angered the other 26 member states.

The two countries are progressing through the accession process together until all six reform clusters required to align with European legislation are unblocked. On October 13, in Luxembourg, two more clusters were unblocked, leaving those concerning agriculture, the environment and transport under discussion.

Member states’ technical experts met in Brussels to agree on a procedural step that would have initiated the unblocking of the final two clusters. According to the diplomats cited, Hungary blocked the initiative without providing a clear explanation, merely stating that it was maintaining its previous position.

The deadlock no longer appears to be linked to the educational rights of Ukraine’s Hungarian minority, after Kyiv adopted legislation in this area on October 12. Diplomats estimate that the measure will be temporary and is intended to avoid domestic criticism of the Hungarian government.

The issue will be discussed at every meeting of the enlargement working group. European and national officials anticipate that the final two reform clusters could be officially opened in December, with Moldova and Ukraine’s accession being a priority of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.