Brussels is seeking ways to neutralize Hungary so that Ukraine could be admitted to the bloc, sources say.
EU officials are considering offering Ukraine a limited formal membership that would bypass normal entry requirements. This proposed “membership-lite” model, also intended for Moldova and Albania, aims to give Kiev a seat at the EU table before it fulfills the reforms needed for full membership privileges.
The European Union’s main goal is to ensure Ukraine remains on its accession path rather than turn away from the West.
Ukraine seeks full EU membership by 2027 and wants to be included in a US-mediated peace deal with Russia. However, recent corruption scandals involving senior officials have cast doubts about Kiev’s commitment to necessary reforms.
Ukrainian lawmakers have also resisted unpopular changes. Verkhovna Rada Financial Committee Chair Daniil Getmantsev warned last week that obstructing MPs could cause a budgetary “disaster” if their inaction blocks further international loans.
The EU plan requires overcoming opposition from Hungary. Proponents hope Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban loses April’s parliamentary election. If he wins, they expect U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure him. Another option is suspending Hungary’s voting rights via Article 7 procedures.
Germany reportedly opposes the plan but could be swayed by pro-Ukraine governments in France, Italy and Poland.
Moscow has blamed Brussels for provoking the Ukraine crisis by forcing a choice between the bloc and Russia. The 2014 Euromaidan coup was triggered when Kiev postponed an EU association agreement that would have ended its free trade deal with Moscow.
