Denmark to Push for Ukraine’s EU Accession Amidst Hungarian Opposition
Table of Contents
As Denmark assumes the European Council presidency, it plans to facilitate Ukraine’s path to EU membership, addressing Hungarian objections and focusing on climate goals.
Denmark is set to take over the presidency of the European Council on July 1 and intends to continue preparing Ukraine for EU membership, despite ongoing resistance from Hungary. European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre stated that Denmark is committed to supporting Ukraine’s reforms [[2]].
“Regrettably, hungary is blocking and we are trying to put as much pressure there as we can and also do everything we can to make Ukraine continue with the necessary reform work,” European affairs minister Marie Bjerre said at a press conference in Copenhagen.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor orban has voiced strong opposition to providing NATO military and EU aid to Ukraine.He argues that Ukraine’s EU membership would negatively impact Hungarian farmers and the broader economy.
ukraine has already started the necessary reforms and is prepared to accelerate negotiations. “when we get to the point were we can actually open the specific negotiation chapters, we can be ready to close them very quickly,” Bjerre noted.
Denmark’s priorities: Ukraine and Climate
“When we get to the point where we can actually open the specific negotiation chapters, we can be ready to close them very quickly,”
in addition to Ukraine’s EU membership, Denmark will also work towards reaching an agreement among EU nations regarding the bloc’s planned 2040 climate goals. The European Commission is expected to propose a legally binding target in July to cut EU countries’ emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels.
Though, Brussels is considering choice options due to pushback from governments. These options include setting a lower emissions target for domestic industries and utilizing international carbon credits to bridge the gap to the 90% reduction target.
EU’s Commitment to Rule of Law
Human Rights Watch has urged Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to use Denmark’s EU presidency to reinforce the bloc’s commitment to democracy, accountability, and human rights [[3]]. This call emphasizes the importance of upholding these values as the EU expands and addresses critical issues like climate change.
