European Union leaders face a complex situation in Brussels this Thursday and Friday. Council of EuropeTotally confused by the Prime Minister’s threat Hungary, Viktor Orbanveto the opening Accession negotiations with Ukraine And 50 billion resources were allocated from the EU budget We will continue to support Kiev financially. Both issues could derail the year’s final summit because, like a complex situation, it requires unanimity. Review of the European budget frameworkAnother major focus of disagreement between the twenty-seven and situation in the Middle East.
“We are working day and night to take positive decisions. The issues on the agenda are extremely important for the future of the EU political project, and therefore it is very important that we remain united,” the President of the European Council said in a statement on Wednesday. Charles MichelWhen the previous summit between the EU and EU countries was reached Western Balkans (Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina) reiterated that the future of this bloc, as well as Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, lies in the EU and that new commitments have emerged to strengthen ties with the region. For example, Brussels has pledged to allocate an additional package of 680 million for investments in these countries.
In any case, Michel’s message has a specific recipient: Viktor OrbanIt is in danger of ruining an important event for Ukraine’s hopes, which does not give up hours before the summit starts and aims to get approval before the end of the year. A possibility that continues to be surrounded by uncertainty despite the “extreme” decision taken by the European Commission this Wednesday 10,200 million of the 30,000 million he kept frozen The return to Hungary fell on the European Parliament like a bucket of cold water.
The European Commission proposed a few weeks ago to give the green light to the start of the economic process. Accession negotiations in March 2024If Kiev complies with these conditions four pending cases. According to the president, more than 90 percent of the reforms Ursula von der LeyenHe announced on Wednesday that Ukraine’s Rada (Parliament) has already approved three of them, meaning only the new lobbying law will remain to control the oligarchs. “Ukraine shows us how much it cares about our unity and values, and we must comply with its determination,” he argued.
Orbán keeps his finger on the pulse
Something Orbán does not share. “The government’s current position is that the rapid admission of Ukraine to the European Union will lead to unforeseen consequences. Ukraine’s rapid accession serves neither the interests of Hungary nor the European Union,” he warned his parliament on Wednesday. A. new train crashAlthough other countries have started to drag their feet, according to diplomatic sources Italy, Austria or Slovakia They insist that if there is no more money left for their priorities in the review of the budget framework, there will be no money for Kiev. “Ukraine needs both military and financial support and (…) the start of EU accession negotiations. We cannot postpone these decisions. We cannot afford to wait for Ukraine. Our internal difficulties are just an excuse,” warned the Finnish Prime Minister. Petteri Orpo.
“We must be clear. This is not a Hungarian market where everything can be bought and sold. This is a decisive moment in which we must show that we continue to support Ukraine unanimously,” the Belgian liberal warned. Alexander de Croo About the Hungarian’s blackmail. Diplomats of all stripes agree in Brussels these days that the most important decision that EU leaders will table this Thursday and Friday is enlargement, including the release of more money for Kiev (which is expected to be closed in parallel) and the 12′ decision on Russia. th sanctions package
Unanimous decisions
Acknowledging that his hands were tied, Michel said: “It is no secret that this European Council will be difficult, but I am not giving up and we will work in the next few hours. I trust everyone’s common sense and responsibility.” he insisted. “There is a fundamental principle in the EU, in the Treaty, that some decisions should be taken by consensus. One day we may discuss the need to adapt the decision-making process, and that is (something) we have initiated (…) but only when there are differences or differences, respect for everyone and united “It’s important to see how to build a position,” he recalled. “It is important to listen to all concerns. I hope that we will eventually reach an agreement, but for now I am not that optimistic,” the Estonian Prime Minister said. Kaja Kallas.
The draft conclusions reflect the Commission’s recommendation. That is, he supports the opening of accession negotiations. Ukraine and Moldova and forgive Georgia Candidate country status. Similar Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe door to negotiations will remain undated for now, as the European Council has said it is ready to open accession negotiations “after the necessary compliance with the accession criteria”.
Budget review
Apart from Ukraine’s accession and expansion, the other major obstacle to the summit will be: review of the multi-annual budget framework For the period 2021-2027. Before the summer, Brussels proposed an additional payment of $66 billion to finance the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine and other priorities such as migration policy or European competitiveness; this includes $50 billion (33 billion in loans and $17,000 million) to keep Ukraine afloat. in help). “If we fail, it will be a serious blow for everyone, both diplomatically and in terms of the troops on the ground,” diplomatic sources said.
The spending increase, which was not shared by many governments facing this negotiation, fell into several groups: those who supported allocating money only to Ukraine, those who refused to give more money to Kiev if other items were not funded, and a larger cross-section who just wanted to donate money. “The latest negotiation fund talks about 25,000 million. We have reduced a lot, but we still need to reduce this figure further to reach an agreement on the review,” diplomatic sources said. he explains.
It may also cause sparks to fly situation in the Middle East. The intention of the Twenty-Seven, who cast a split vote in favor of a solution to the situation in Gaza at the General Assembly of the Nations, is to discuss the situation again. “We must call for the release of all hostages and address the alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza,” Michel says in a letter inviting him to a summit that could last until the weekend, according to some diplomatic sources.