Ukraine–European Union relations

About three hours after a deadlock in the EU leaders' discussion on Ukraine's accession, the German chancellor suggested the Hungarian prime minister to leave the hall and drink coffee.

Day 660 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

Given that Hungary is holding 50 billion euros in aid to Ukraine and as a hostage for that country's accession to the EU, Vienna, its critics claim, is using the impasse to push its priorities behind the scenes, ignoring the urgency of the situation in Kyiv.

According to Index, it is about the fact that today in Brussels, a decision is being made on Ukraine's negotiations for EU membership, which is strongly opposed by one member of the Union - Hungary.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday urged the bloc's 27 leaders to back massive financial aid for Ukraine and Kyiv's ambitions for membership talks, ahead of a crunch summit.

"We must give Ukraine what it needs to be strong today. So it can be stronger tomorrow at the table when it is negotiating a long lasting and just peace," the European Commission president told MEPs.

Day 658 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

A recent EU survey by YouGov and Datapraxis conducted across six member states highlights contrasting opinions on potential expansions. Support for Ukraine's accession emerges, but skepticism looms over Turkey and the Western Balkans. The findings impact upcoming decisions at the European Council summit regarding EU enlargement and budget allocation.

The Survey's Key Insights:

Ukraine's foreign minister warned European Union leaders yesterday that if they fail to agree to open membership talks with Kiev at their summit this week it will have "devastating consequences."

"I cannot imagine," Dmytro Kuleba told reporters in Brussels "I don't even want to talk about the devastating consequences that will occur shall the Council fail to make this decision."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by phone with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov. This became clear from a post by Zelensky on his official profile on the X social network. The two discussed Ukraine's current defense needs, especially in terms of strengthening the air force and artillery.

Intense diplomatic consultations are reportedly taking place to get Greece to agree to send a letter on behalf of the European Council to Tirana so that Albania can begin negotiations on its first batch of EU accession chapters.