Lithuania proposes to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to EU without Hungary's participation - media

Lithuania has proposed to EU countries to start technical talks with Ukraine and Moldova on EU accession without Hungary.

This was reported by LRT.

In a letter sent last week to EU capitals ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on September 1-2, Vilnius argues that the bloc must take "decisive measures" to make Ukraine's membership application "real and irreversible."

The letter, seen by the publication, states that the start of negotiations would support both Ukraine's morale and reformist sentiment in the country at a time when russia is intensifying its war. The letter also warned that inaction could weaken public support in Ukraine and undermine institutional will for reform.

Lithuania's proposal envisages starting negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova at a technical level without Hungary if the 26 member states agree. Formal approval could come later if Budapest changes its position or the government changes.

The letter also reiterates Lithuania's long-standing call to set 2030 as the target date for Ukraine's accession to the EU, arguing that this would help both sides plan reforms and resources.

Acting Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys told LRT that Lithuania insists on "unblocking" Ukraine's path: "Any further delay is geopolitically harmful for both Ukraine and the EU. Ukraine's membership is part of Europe's security guarantees and is essential for long-term peace and stability."

The proposals are expected to be discussed in Copenhagen, where ministers led by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will focus mainly on the war in Ukraine and the Middle East.

However, the European Commission has expressed skepticism about circumventing the unanimity principle. Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho told reporters on Tuesday that "unanimity is needed to open any chapter of the negotiations," adding that while Brussels continues to support reforms in Ukraine, the decision remains with the Council.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on August 22, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that the latest strike by the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the Druzhba oil pipeline infrastructure had led to its shutdown for at least five days.

It also became known that Hungary and Slovakia had appealed to the European Union to respond to Ukraine's strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline and take measures.

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