The European Council failed to unanimously adopt a statement of support for Ukraine during its June 26 meeting in Brussels, after Hungary once again failed to support it.

Hungary’s government announced on June 26 that 95% of participants in a so-called “national consultation” opposed Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

According to the European Council"s statement, the document found “firmly supported” by 26 out of the 27 states. All EU states, except Hungary, reaffirmed Ukraine’s “inherent right to choose its own destiny” and support for the country’s “path towards EU membership”: “The European Council commends Ukraine for the pace of its accession-related reforms under the most challenging circumstances, welcomes the significant progress achieved, and encourages Ukraine and the Commission to intensify work in the accession process”.

EU member states also agreed to take note of the Commission’s assessment that Ukraine is ready to open the Fundamentals cluster. However, formal negotiations can only begin with the unanimous consent of all 27 member states.