Hungary’s new government under Prime Minister Peter Magyar has postponed the opening of two further chapters in Ukraine’s European Union accession negotiations, diplomats said, slowing the process despite the defeat of longtime leader Viktor Orban last year.
The delay affects clusters covering the single market and economic and social policy, according to two diplomatic sources cited by the Financial Times. It was communicated to Brussels last week, catching EU officials who had expected smoother sailing after the change of power in Budapest.
In June and early July, Hungary allowed the first two clusters—on fundamental questions and on foreign and security policy—to be opened, raising hopes that the main obstacle to Kyiv’s EU bid had been removed. The new hold-up suggests those expectations were premature.
Diplomatic reactions
One EU diplomat characterized the move as “a small delay” that would soon be overcome. But other officials warned that without a direct political signal from Magyar, the pace of Ukraine’s integration could falter again.
A Hungarian government spokesperson defended the position, saying Budapest opposes “any accelerated procedure” for Ukraine. Kyiv, the spokesperson argued, should not receive more favorable treatment than Western Balkan candidates that have been waiting years in the accession queue.
The delay comes against a backdrop of unresolved bilateral tensions. A long-planned meeting between Magyar and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has yet to take place, leaving open questions about the level of political commitment from the new Hungarian leadership.
While the electoral defeat of Fidesz broke the old Orban-Putin axis, the episode shows that Hungarian skepticism toward Ukraine’s EU membership has persisted in a different form. EU officials now face the task of gauging whether the delay is tactical or reflects deeper reservations that could resurface in later stages of the accession process.
