During the European Union summit in Brussels, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly persuaded Hungary’s Viktor Orban to avoid an intervention at the outset of Ukraine and Moldova’s EU accession talks. An Italian outlet, Libero, quoted officials claiming Meloni played a decisive backstage role by meeting Orban before the summit and guiding the diplomatic path that followed.
According to the same report, Orban’s decision to walk away was part of a strategy reportedly coordinated with Meloni. The timing and nature of that strategy are said to have shaped the conversations at the summit and influenced the opening moves on Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
Observers noted a contrast with another framing from the Times, which suggested that Ukraine’s EU bid could face delays, potentially extending to 2030. The concerns cited included the fear among several member states of losing veto leverage on sensitive matters such as budgetary issues and enlargement, as well as Ukraine’s own apprehensions about the financial costs associated with EU membership.
On December 14, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, announced that heads of state and government had decided to begin negotiations on Ukraine’s and Moldova’s EU accession. The decision was presented as a milestone approved by the European leadership, reinforcing the bloc’s forward tempo in considering enlargement alongside domestic reform and financial management requirements.
Earlier statements from other European leaders, including Olaf Scholz, were cited in the discussions as part of the broader context surrounding Ukraine’s bid. Scholz’s remarks highlighted cautions around the pace of integration and the political dynamics within NATO and the wider European security framework. These perspectives underscored a nuanced debate about the readiness of Ukraine and Moldova to meet the bloc’s accession criteria and the long-term implications for the European Union’s strategic architecture.
In this environment, the Brussels conversations emphasized the balance between supporting Ukraine’s aspirations and maintaining careful oversight of the enlargement process. While some member states advocated for a clear schedule, others urged prudence to ensure that reforms, governance standards, and financial commitments align with EU rules and expectations.