WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
The leaders of the 27 EU member states are participating in a crucial European Council meeting in Brussels today and tomorrow, where they will discuss key geoeconomic challenges, as well as the current crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. President Antonio Costa defines the summit's mission as a joint effort to build a more competitive, secure and strategically independent Europe, capable of acting as a reliable global actor.
EU reaffirms support for Ukraine despite member states' differing positions
Despite Slovakia's veto, the 26 EU member states firmly supported the conclusions on Ukraine, which underline the Union's commitment to preserving Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
The conclusions call on member states to step up support for Ukraine in the military and security fields, and to prepare additional measures to increase pressure on Russia, including a “new strong package of sanctions” aimed at reducing Russian energy revenues. Interestingly, Slovakia supported the conclusions, although it blocked the specific sanctions package.
EU leaders also called on the Council to continue the process of Ukraine’s accession, noting that the core issues cluster was ready to be opened once the conditions were met.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who came to the summit with the results of a domestic poll showing that two million Hungarians oppose Ukraine’s accession to the EU, remains resistant. Orbán has organized similar votes before, often criticized for their form and implementation, and has consistently raised concerns about the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.
Hungary blocks joint conclusions on Ukraine
The leaders have concluded talks on Ukraine, but the final conclusions were supported by only 26 out of 27 EU leaders, while Hungary withheld its consent. This is the second time Hungary has blocked unanimous conclusions on Ukraine, following a similar veto in March.
Hungary is also holding up Ukraine’s progress on its path to EU membership. Although the European Commission has confirmed that Ukraine has met all the conditions for starting negotiations on the first set of key chapters, the process requires unanimous support from all member states. Hungary’s persistent opposition remains a serious obstacle to Ukraine’s EU ambitions.
Fico maintains Slovakia’s veto on Russia sanctions
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said his country would retain its veto on the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, saying there were still open questions about the European Commission’s plan to phase out Russian fossil fuels. Slovakia remains dependent on Russian energy and fears that the proposed deadline of 2027 will lead to higher prices for consumers, undermine competitiveness and undermine energy security.
While the fossil fuel phase-out plan can be adopted by a qualified majority, Slovakia and Hungary, both dependent on Russian energy, are using their veto power on sanctions – which require unanimity – as a means of obtaining concessions.
"The reason is that the law that stops the flow of gas from January 1, 2028, in our opinion, is a sanction with far-reaching consequences," Fico said in a video message posted on Facebook.
"This issue must first be resolved – let's define a solution, and only then can we talk about new sanctions packages."
