Ukraine to hold EU summit to unblock its membership bid

Ukraine will host a summit of ministers for European affairs aimed at supporting the continuation of the country's accession process to the European Union despite Hungary's opposition. As Politico reported, the meeting will take place on 10 and 11 December 2025 in Lviv, in the western part of Ukraine.

The invitation, received by the Member States on Monday, was sent jointly on behalf of Denmark - the current EU Council Presidency - and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka. The document stresses that the main objective of the meeting will be to assess Ukraine's progress towards membership and to share experiences on the next steps. The summit is also intended to be a symbolic gesture of unity and support from European partners.

„By meeting directly in Ukraine, we will send a clear and united political signal that Ukraine's future lies in the European Union,“ the invitation quoted by Politico reads.

The planned summit comes at a time when Brussels is trying to fulfil its promises of financial aid to Kiev. The proposal to use frozen Russian assets to provide a €140 billion loan has so far been blocked by Belgium's reservations. Meanwhile, since gaining candidate status in 2022, Ukraine has carried out extensive reforms in the economy, the judiciary and the fight against corruption, despite continued Russian aggression.

However, the enlargement process has been hampered by opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has repeatedly said he will block the opening of formal accession chapters. The accession of a new member requires the unanimous consent of all EU member states. Some states are therefore looking for ways to move the process forward without Hungary's consent.

According to two European officials who spoke to Politico anonymously, the EU is now working with so-called „frontloading“ - an approach that will allow both Ukraine and Moldova to continue reforms and preparations for membership without having to wait for the formal start of negotiations. This would allow both countries to move forward quickly once the political blockade has been overcome.

Hungary's prime minister faces a major political test next year. The parliamentary elections, which must be held by April 2026 at the latest, could weaken his position, as polls show his Fidesz party is being caught up by the pro-European opposition led by Péter Magyar and his TISZA alliance.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky recently welcomed Brussels' positive assessment of reforms and said his country would become an EU member „in a just way - when Ukraine stands on its own and the war is over“.

gnews.cz - GH