Zelensky Urges Orban to Lift Hungary’s Veto as Brussels Pushes to Advance Ukraine’s EU Bid

Zelensky appeals to Orban as Brussels backs EU progress for Ukraine

Kyiv’s push for EU membership — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday appealed directly to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to stop blocking Kyiv’s bid to join the European Union, as EU institutions signalled support for moving the war‑torn country to the next stage despite ongoing concerns about corruption.

Why enlargement matters now

Russia’s full-scale invasion has injected new momentum into long-stalled discussions about expanding the 27-member bloc. EU officials regard enlargement as a geostrategic priority in response to Kremlin aggression. EU enlargement chief Marta Kos described widening the union as “a realistic possibility within the coming years.”

Where candidates stand

Ten countries are currently seeking EU membership, though progress varies. Some bids, notably Turkey’s, remain effectively frozen. The frontrunners are Balkan neighbours Montenegro and Albania, while Ukraine and Moldova have made notable strides since filing applications in 2022.

Timelines, hurdles and a Hungarian veto

Kos has urged a decision next month to allow Ukraine and Moldova to begin formal accession negotiations. However, Hungary’s leader Viktor Orban — viewed as Russia-friendly by many EU partners — has delayed approval for Kyiv, prompting concerns that he might use the issue as a domestic political tool ahead of Hungary’s elections next year.

“We are at war for our survival, and we would really like the prime minister of Hungary to support us, at least not block us,” Zelensky said at an event hosted by Euronews.

The European Commission’s annual report praises Kyiv for pursuing essential reforms despite the war but warns against potential “backsliding” on anti-corruption after Kyiv reversed measures that weakened the independence of anti-graft agencies amid pressure from European partners.

Candidate timelines

• Montenegro aims to complete talks by the end of 2026.
• Albania is targeting 2027 to wrap up negotiations.
• Ukraine and Moldova are eyeing 2028 for potential accession, though all timelines depend on meeting strict reform benchmarks and on unanimous approval from current EU members.

Worrying signs in Georgia and Serbia

By contrast, the commission flagged serious democratic backsliding in Georgia, citing a government crackdown on opponents and a tilt toward Moscow. “The commission considers Georgia a candidate country in name only,” Kos said. She also warned that reform momentum in Serbia “has slowed down significantly,” despite Belgrade’s stated commitment to EU membership.

Stronger safeguards and institutional fixes

As the EU prepares for potential enlargement, Brussels is also considering institutional reforms to preserve the bloc’s effectiveness. The commission plans to include stronger safeguards in future accession treaties to prevent new members from backsliding on democratic norms. Officials are even weighing temporary limits on certain veto rights — for example in foreign policy matters — for new members, as a response to past instances where individual member states have obstructed collective decision-making.

Bottom line: Brussels wants to advance credible candidates who deliver reforms, but political obstacles — including a single member’s veto — and concerns about democratic standards will shape the pace and terms of any enlargement.