European Union member states’ leaders have found a way to bypass Hungary’s veto on issues related to Ukraine. The relevant documents are attached to resolutions that have received unanimous approval and are then published as an official conclusion.
Politico wrote about this with reference to unnamed European diplomats.
The publication recalled that two weeks ago, the issue of providing support to Ukraine was again under threat due to Hungary’s position. Budapest tried to thwart proposals for the EU to fill the gap that had formed after the cessation of US aid.
However, at that time, the text agreed upon by the remaining 26 of the 27 EU countries was added to the remaining resolutions that were unanimously approved. And although Hungary officially refused to approve the document, it was still published as an official conclusion of the European Council.
According to Politico’s sources, this tactic seems to have worked. Now the EU intends to use it again.
“The statement on Ukraine today will be issued as an annex on behalf of 26 countries. This is the new norm. And it is useful when it comes to political intentions. Although, perhaps, in the future we will face other problems,” said one of the diplomats.
Another interlocutor of the publication emphasized that the objections of Hungary are appreciated - and quickly ignored.
“Orbán chose isolation and the path of illiberal democracy against the obvious interests of the EU and, in fact, Hungary. He was given many opportunities, but he rejected them with an outstretched hand. The security of Europe is too serious an issue to negotiate with one person who sees things 180 degrees differently than everyone else,” said another diplomat.
The draft statement on Ukraine, which the publication reviewed, confirms the "EU's continued and unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders."
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on March 20, it became known that all EU countries, except Hungary, supported the statement in support of Ukraine's independence and sovereignty.
Earlier, the Financial Times wrote that the EU has again begun to openly discuss depriving Hungary of its voting rights.
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