Hungary blocked the EU’s annual enlargement statement, not supporting a positive assessment of Ukraine’s progress on the path to euro-integration. Denmark, which is currently chairing the Council of the EU, announced this during consultations in Brussels on December 16.

According to Denmark’s Minister for Europe, Marie Bjerre, 26 member states are demonstrating strong support for Ukraine, and Ukraine itself is fulfilling its obligations.

“26 member states are demonstrating strong support for Ukraine, and Ukraine itself is fulfilling its obligations”

– Marie Bjerre

She also noted that the wording in the draft statement on Ukraine was “fair and proportionate.” Germany’s Minister for Europe Günther Krichbaum described Hungary’s actions as increasingly destructive and accused Budapest of hindering EU decisions. Hungary’s veto means that Ukraine cannot yet begin formal negotiations for EU membership.

“This means that Ukraine is being given specific guidance on how exactly it should carry out reforms, what it must achieve, and what results the majority of member states expect from this country”

– Danish official

According to the publication, the EU’s enlargement statement also covers six Balkan countries, Turkey, Moldova, and Georgia. According to the latest European Commission report, Montenegro shows the greatest progress in the accession process and could complete negotiations by the end of 2026, provided the current pace of reforms is maintained; for Albania, negotiations are expected to conclude by the end of 2027. It is also reported that in September 2025 Hungary voiced demands regarding Transcarpathia and urged to rectify the situation, otherwise the opening of negotiating clusters could be blocked.

Context and Implications for the EU’s Future

This situation underscores the complex dynamics between the sovereign interests of member states and Ukraine’s ambitions to join the European Union. European leaders currently expect a constructive stance from Budapest that will ensure transparent reform steps and clearer timelines for enlargement. The outlook for the future will depend on how faithfully all parties honor their commitments and how quickly work on the negotiating clusters resumes.