EU pushes forward despite Hungary’s veto and a crowded agenda
The informal EU summit in Copenhagen this week spotlighted a central question for Europe: how fast should the bloc move toward closer ties with Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans? At the heart of the discussion was a proposal from EU Council President Antonio Costa to shift from unanimous to majority decisions when opening new negotiation chapters. The move would speed up talks with outside partners, but Hungary immediately signalled it would retain its veto on the final step—admitting Ukraine as a member state.
That veto threat underscored enduring fault lines in EU enlargement debates. Critics say speeding up opening chapters without securing unanimity on the final accession could dilute the political deal, while supporters argue that it’s a necessary adjustment to the bloc’s evolving security and political realities. For President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the question is not only about process but about progress on the ground and in Brussels’ decision-making rooms.
Zelensky at the EPC meeting: a call to act
On Thursday, Zelenskyy joined the EPC meeting, which extends beyond EU member states to leaders from other regions. He pressed for forward movement on Ukraine’s path to EU membership, arguing that Europe’s stability and security depend on reliable steps toward integration. The Ukrainian president reminded the audience that Kyiv has completed the EU screening process and is ready to open the first negotiation chapter, insisting that “it must happen, as agreed.”
“It’s time to move forward,” Zelenskyy said, framing Ukraine’s progress as inseparable from the broader European project and regional resilience. He emphasized that supporting Moldova and the Western Balkans on their EU journeys is essential for a united and secure Europe.
What Kristersson and the Commission see on the horizon
Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, weighed in on the day after the summit, suggesting that while Hungary’s opposition is a hurdle, Zelenskyy has reason to feel hopeful about the broader trajectory. He noted that Kyiv’s prospects extend beyond political symbolism to practical funding and defense cooperation. In particular, Kristersson highlighted a recent EU Commission proposal to use frozen Russian assets to provide up to 140 billion euros in reparations loans to Ukraine, which would offer critical liquidity as Kyiv modernizes its economy and fortifies its defense.
The commission’s plan was met with a generally positive reception from EU leaders and the bloc’s top executive, Ursula von der Leyen, who described the idea as a potential step forward for the broader union’s support for Ukraine. Kristersson said the door to potential arrangements has “increased dramatically,” suggesting a more favorable political climate for negotiated terms even as the veto issue persists among some member states.
Defense, drone threats, and the road ahead
Beyond membership talks, Zelenskyy spoke about urgent defense needs and the next phase of upscaling Europe’s deterrence. He referenced recent drone incidents as evidence that Russia is willing to escalate, calling for intensified collaboration to build a joint anti-drone defense capability. Ukraine has offered to share its battlefield and technical expertise to help establish a broader European defense architecture, including a possible drone-defense shield.
EU leaders are set to receive a formal “roadmap” for Europe’s rearmament at the Brussels summit at the end of October. The plan aims to align member states on shared defense priorities, efficiency, and funding. While disagreements persist among a handful of countries, the overarching trend appears to favor coordinated action that can complement Ukraine’s defense and reform efforts.
Conclusion: a pivotal moment, with a long road ahead
As Zelenskyy argues for momentum on Ukraine’s EU path, the bloc weighs procedural reforms against the realities of national vetoes and the security environment. The immediate ask remains clear: open the first negotiation chapter, continue to deepen economic and security support, and keep Moldova and the Western Balkans on a credible course toward membership. For Kyiv, the demand is not only for faster processes but for credible, tangible steps that translate European solidarity into lasting strategic progress.
