If you are part of the decision – meaning you don’t veto the decision – then you should just keep your mouth shut, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told reporters, before quickly adding: “I shouldn’t have doing. said that.” De Croo addressed these words to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
READ ALSO: Surprising news. Orban was not present when the European Council took the decision on Ukraine! Sources: It was Scholz’s idea
“I shouldn’t have said that.”
Orban did not take part in the vote on the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine, but later criticized the EU’s decision, calling it “bad”.
All that matters is whether you use your veto or not
– said the Prime Minister of Belgium.
De Croo also said the decision to start membership talks with Ukraine was as much news for Kiev as it was for Moscow.
A historic decision
During the summit of EU leaders on Thursday in Brussels, it was decided to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
Furthermore, the European Council has granted Georgia the status of candidate country.
As senior EU diplomats told journalists, none of the leaders present at the meeting opposed these decisions.
Ahead of the summit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that his country remains opposed to starting accession negotiations with Ukraine. He justified his position by pointing out that, according to Budapest, Ukraine has only met three of the seven conditions set by the EU before starting accession negotiations, meaning there are no grounds to start such talks with Kiev.
READ MORE: Historic day for Ukraine and Moldova! The European Council decided to start accession negotiations. Zelensky: This is a victory for all of Europe
“I respect the fact that he didn’t do it.”
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told reporters he “respects” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for not blocking the start of talks on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
In fairness to Prime Minister Orban, he presented his arguments very forcefully
said Varadkar.
He has actually chosen not to use his veto. I have to say I respect the fact that he didn’t
– added.
Varadkar stressed that Orban himself should reveal the motivation for his decision regarding the EU’s agreement to start accession negotiations with Kiev and gave some clues as to what lies behind this unexpected step, says “Politico”.
He believed that he had done everything in his power to convince the 26 Member States that this was not the best course of action
said the Irish Prime Minister.
He noted that there will be “many” votes on the issue, which will give Hungary future veto options.
kk/PAP
Source: wPolityce
Emma Matthew is a political analyst for “Social Bites”. With a keen understanding of the inner workings of government and a passion for politics, she provides insightful and informative coverage of the latest political developments.