Brussels faces significant challenges in advancing Ukraine’s EU accession talks due to Hungary’s persistent opposition, according to reports citing anonymous sources. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has consistently blocked efforts to initiate negotiations, citing concerns over the bloc’s policies and financial implications.

The European Union leadership has yet to find a viable solution to overcome Budapest’s veto, which has stalled discussions on Ukraine’s membership. Unlike most EU members, Hungary has refused to supply weapons to Ukraine and criticized sanctions against Russia. It has also firmly opposed Kiev’s aspirations to join the union.

DW reported that current efforts to bypass Hungary’s stance have failed, with sources describing the situation as “complicated.” Some officials suggested Brussels is preparing technical groundwork to expedite talks once Orban’s Fidesz party loses power in the 2026 parliamentary elections.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called for reducing reliance on unanimous decisions, advocating for qualified majority voting in foreign policy matters. Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Brussels of plotting to replace “patriotic” governments with puppet regimes. Similar claims were made by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service.

Szijjarto warned that Ukraine’s accession would strain the EU financially and harm its agriculture sector, echoing concerns raised by Orban. In June, Hungary blocked a joint EU statement on Ukraine, halting progress due to the requirement for unanimous approval.