Camilla Jessen
With Hungary standing in the way, Denmark says it will push harder to keep Ukraine’s EU future on track.
Denmark has announced it will make Ukraine’s path to joining the European Union a top priority when it assumes the presidency of the EU Council on July 1, according to Reuters.
Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre made the commitment during a press conference in Copenhagen, saying Denmark will use its six-month term to support Ukraine and help move the process forward.
“Unfortunately, Hungary continues to block [Ukraine’s EU membership], but we are doing our best to increase pressure and to encourage Ukraine to carry out the necessary reforms,” Bjerre said.
She also stated that Denmark is prepared to act quickly once the political deadlock is resolved: “When the time comes to open concrete negotiation chapters, we’ll be ready to close them quickly.”
In addition to championing Ukraine’s EU bid, Denmark plans to use its presidency to push for agreement among EU countries on climate goals for the year 2040.
The leadership change comes amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Hungary. Kyiv has accused Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government of repeating Russian talking points and damaging bilateral relations.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry recently called for “mutual respect and restraint” in response.