Varhelyi: EU enlargement crucial for Hungary
The European Union's enlargement policy is a "very important dimension" for Hungary, Oliver Varhelyi, Hungarian EU commissioner for neighbourhood policy and enlargement, told a conference in Brussels, arguing that in neighbouring countries "challenges of peace, security, and welfare" could still lead to instability.
Referring to recent applications by Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova to join the EU, the commissioner said “these countries see the EU as a place where they could find peace, prosperity, and security”, adding that the bloc should give them that opportunity.
Varhelyi told MTI after the conference that the European Commission would respond to the three applications on Friday, and provide recommendations.
Answering a question, the commissioner said that applicants must meet the EU’s Copenhagen criteria in full before accession talks are launched.
