Fidesz MEP: EU divided on Ukraine EU accession

Gal told MTI that the decision on starting the talks had not been prepared adequately, and it was uncertain as to what sort of consequences the admission of a country of Ukraine’s size and in such an economic and political situation would have for the bloc. She said Ukraine’s EU membership would have serious consequences for Hungary.

Meanwhile, Gal said the EU had always emphasised uniform conditions when it came to enlargement policy.

“There is no progress being made on enlargement in the Western Balkans because those countries have not fulfilled all the conditions, but Ukraine hasn’t even fulfilled the seven conditions set by the EU for the start of accession talks,” the MEP said. “Despite this, the European Commission would be ready to start the talks.”

She said it was clear that Ukraine did not meet the criteria for starting the talks, not least because it had not resolved the issue of minority rights. She said the EU was applying double standards to Ukraine and had made a hasty decision under political pressure without seeking the opinion of the public.

“The EU would start accession talks with Ukraine without having devised any strategies or preparing an impact study,” Gal said. “Public opinion polls, for instance, show that most EU residents don’t support the start of accession talks with Ukraine at all.”