**EU Prepares for Hungarian Veto on Ukraine’s Accession**
The European Union is gearing up for a potential veto by Hungary on Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc. According to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the union has alternative plans in place if Hungary blocks Ukraine’s accession.
Kallas made the remarks during a visit to Lviv, Ukraine, where she met with reporters. She emphasized that the EU’s primary focus is on securing unanimous support for Ukraine’s bid, but she also acknowledged that there are backup plans in case of a veto by Hungary.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been a vocal critic of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. In April, Orban publicly shared photos of himself marking “against” on a ballot in a national poll opposing Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
**A History of Tension**
Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s EU bid is not new. Hungarian officials have repeatedly threatened to undermine Ukraine’s candidacy and EU support for the country. In fact, Hungary has blocked or delayed several EU aid packages for Kyiv.
The tension between Hungary and the EU has been escalating in recent months, with European officials denouncing Hungary for aligning with Russia. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, for example, suggested that Hungary should be stripped of its voting power within the bloc if it continues to oppose Ukraine’s accession.
**A Plan B?**
Kallas hinted that the EU has a plan B in place if Hungary vetoes Ukraine’s accession. However, she refused to reveal any details about this alternative plan. “We’re still in the process,” she said.
The accession of Ukraine to the EU is seen as crucial not only for Ukraine but also for the European Union itself. The bloc wants to show its commitment to democratic values and unity in the face of Russian aggression.
**Article 7: A Tool Against Hungary?**
Some officials, including Tsahkna, have suggested using Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union as a tool against Hungary. This article provides for the possibility of withdrawing a member state’s voting rights if membership endangers the security of Europe and that of other members.
Tsahkna argued that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is putting the security of Europe at risk by opposing Ukraine’s accession to the EU. “That’s exactly what (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor) Orban is doing,” he said.
The fate of Ukraine’s bid to join the EU remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the European Union is prepared for any eventuality.
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