Would Hungary's objections derail Ukraine's EU path in December 2023?
A look back at the diplomatic backdrop to 14 December 2023, as Budapest's opposition to Ukraine's accession talks and to military aid drew attention.
Would one member state's objections be enough to stall Ukraine's path towards the European Union? That question hung over 14 December 2023, in the days after Hungary restated its position.
On 8 December 2023, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán reiterated Hungary's opposition to opening EU accession talks with Ukraine. He cited concerns about Ukraine's readiness and the potential economic impact on the EU.
The argument was not confined to enlargement. On 11 December 2023, representatives of Orbán met Republicans in Washington. As reported at the time, the talks were about ending EU and US military support to Ukraine.
Taken together, the two episodes showed Budapest pressing its case on both fronts in the days before 14 December 2023: against opening accession negotiations and against continued military aid from the EU and the United States.
