Denmark pushes for Ukraine's EU membership against Hungary's veto

Denmark inaugurated its six-month presidency of the EU Council on July 3, 2025, with a focus on supporting Ukraine's aspirations for EU membership. During this inauguration, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that Ukraine belonging to the EU is beneficial for both Denmark and Europe. She committed to enhancing military support for Ukraine while simultaneously pressuring Russia through sanctions. Furthermore, Denmark aims to overcome Hungary's current veto, which is obstructing Ukraine's progress in EU membership negotiations. The situation arises amidst Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán asserting that integrating Ukraine into the EU could conclude the ongoing conflict. Danish officials are aware that Hungary’s veto could disrupt efforts to open negotiation chapters crucial to Ukraine’s EU membership. Previous attempts by Poland, during its EU presidency, to advance these negotiations were met with resistance due to a requirement for unanimity among the 27 EU member states. Danish representatives, including Marie Bjerre, are determined to navigate the complexities of the veto, considering possible changes to procedures that currently empower Hungary. Among these considerations is the potential implementation of Article 7, which could strip Hungary of its voting rights within the EU, though achieving a qualified majority for such measures poses its own challenges. Denmark's exertion of political and practical pressure aims to ensure that Hungary bends to allow progress for Ukraine’s EU membership negotiations, a move seen as essential for increasing security throughout Europe.