Ukraine gets a EU membership boost, but Hungary blocks an aid deal

The European Union will start accession negotiations with Ukraine, however, a proposed financial aid package for Ukraine was derailed by a veto from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The big picture: The EU decided on Thursday to begin discussions regarding Ukraine joining the Union, marking a key milestone for the war-torn country’s EU aspirations, which have faced opposition from Orban.
* Orban chose not to veto the start of these discussions but did block a proposed 50 billion-euro ($54 billion) aid package designed to support Ukraine’s struggling economy.
* This veto came as a fresh setback for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following his recent unsuccessful appeal to U.S. lawmakers for an additional $61 billion in aid, primarily for weapon procurement.

Reactions and future attempts: EU leaders have expressed varied responses to Orban’s actions, with some showing understanding for his unique stance, while others suggest he was pressured into compliance.
* The veto was defended by Orban as being based on his belief that Ukraine is not yet ready to negotiate EU membership.
* EU leaders are set to reconvene in January to try and resolve the financial aid deadlock.
* This decision, despite causing a rift within the EU, has been described by European Council President Charles Michel as “a clear signal of hope for their people and our continent”.

On the ground: Reaction to the news of accession talks in Ukraine and neighboring Moldova, which is also opening membership negotiations, has been cautiously optimistic.
* There is recognition of the long and uncertain road ahead, with actual EU membership potentially taking several more years.
* The decision to begin talks is being hailed as a victory and important step forward for both Ukraine and Europe.

View original article on NPR
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