‘Ukraine Has Delivered – Now We Must Too,’ EU Chief Says, Backing Membership Talks Despite Hungary’s Block

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday called for opening membership talks with Ukraine, saying the country is carrying out reforms under “relentless Russian attacks” and deserves to move forward toward joining the European Union.

The comments came after European leaders met to discuss Ukraine’s EU aspirations. While most EU members support Kyiv’s bid, Hungary continues to block the formal launch of accession talks.

“Under relentless fire, Ukraine is passing reform after reform. It’s impressive, and this is why the Commission defends the opening of the first cluster of negotiations,” von der Leyen said at a joint press conference with European Council President António Costa in Brussels.

“Ukraine has delivered — now we must too. The accession process is based on merit, and Ukraine merits moving forward.”

Costa echoed von der Leyen’s remarks, saying Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s own security. He praised Ukraine’s rapid reforms despite the ongoing war, calling on the EU to intensify its support and help Ukraine progress toward membership.

“Despite incredibly difficult circumstances, the Ukrainian government is carrying out reforms at an impressive pace,” Costa said.

Hungary remains the only EU country opposed to opening talks. The other 26 members reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s right to choose its own future and praised what they described as significant progress in reforms.

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The first stage of negotiations, known as the “Foundations” cluster, cannot begin without unanimous approval from all 27 EU nations.

According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the EU is now exploring ways to prevent Hungary from undermining the process.

Orbán has been a vocal opponent to Ukraine’s EU bid and has a history of blaming Kyiv for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, echoing Kremlin propaganda.

Hungary has claimed he’s concerned about the treatment of Hungarian minorities in western Ukraine.

However, many European officials believe Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is simply using the veto as leverage.

Though Hungary agreed to open talks in late 2023 after the EU unfroze €10 billion in funds previously withheld over rule-of-law concerns, Orbán decided to hold a “national consultation” on Ukraine’s membership.

After two million Hungarians took part in the poll, Orbán declared a “people’s mandate,” claiming there was 95% opposition to Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations.

“The Hungarian people have spoken: 95% said NO to dragging Ukraine into the EU!” he posted on the X platform on Thursday, June 26.

The number of votes represents approximately one-fifth of Hungary’s population of almost 10 million. Orbán touted the result as the voice of the people.

“They said NO to war, NO to economic ruin, and NO to Brussels’ delusions. With over 2 million votes cast, we’re taking our people’s mandate for peace and common sense to Brussels.”

Ukraine’s foreign ministry dismissed the ‘Voks 2025’ poll in a statement as “anti-Ukrainian hysteria” and said most Hungarians are “capable of recognizing this primitive manipulation.”

Ukraine’s bid for EU membership gained momentum after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Though the EU has ruled out fast-tracking Kyiv’s entry, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has praised Ukraine’s reform efforts during wartime.