Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on European leaders to find a way to make the decision-making process faster, more flexible and more effective, referring to Hungary's veto on the opening of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. Zelensky said this in an address to the European Council, quoted by Ukrinform, BTA reported.
"It is unpleasant to say, but some pressure is also needed in Europe itself to ensure that everything that has been promised – actually happens. I am talking about the negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU and the resolution of some issues essential for European unity. It is simply anti-European when one person blocks decisions that are important for the entire continent or have already been agreed upon," Zelensky said.
The head of state pointed out that Ukraine has met all the requirements, but is facing difficulties in starting the first and other negotiation clusters on the country's accession to the EU.
"European efforts, which should bring more security and peace, are also constantly hindered. And I think this is not right. Europe must have a way to prevent individual actors from blocking what is necessary for everyone. If we say that Europe must be stronger in the conditions of global competition, then we should also talk about making the European decision-making process faster, more flexible, more effective - regardless of whether it is politics, defense, economics, industry or any other area. Europe needs speed in decision-making and concrete mechanisms to protect itself from unnecessary blockages," the president noted.
It has become clear that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stopped the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, citing the principle of unanimity in decision-making on the enlargement of the European Union. In his address to the European Council, Zelensky called on its members to continue pressure on Russia and approve a plan of at least 5 billion euros for the purchase of artillery weapons, Reuters reports.