He hopes that Hungarian resistance will be overcome through “creative solutions.”
According to Kachka, EU leaders in December may approve the opening of six clusters – legal steps on Ukraine's path to membership in the European Union.
The Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister noted that “political momentum” is growing, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who opposes Ukraine’s membership in the EU, is facing growing pressure.
As Kachka pointed out, it is possible to complete preparations for the resumption of work of all clusters, and “if there is a political impulse, then all clusters can be closed by the end of the year.”
The Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine hopes that the EU will be able to overcome Hungary’s veto during the meeting of EU leaders.
“I believe that the member states will find a solution in December,” Kaczka stressed.
He added that a personal meeting between Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could help resolve the membership issue, but could not say “when and where it will take place.”
Context
In June 2023, Ukraine, together with Moldova, acquired candidate status for EU membership. On June 25, 2024, the European Union officially began accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine.
Orban initiated a “referendum” in Hungary on Ukrainian European integration. On June 26, 2025, the country announced its final results, stating that 95% of those who voted were allegedly against Ukraine’s membership in the EU. According to Orban, this is how Hungary allegedly stopped Ukraine’s entry into the EU. He also stated that Ukraine’s accession to the EU would “drag” Europe into a direct conflict and that no one seemed to agree to this.
Zelensky said on October 6 that “Ukraine will be in the European Union with or without Orban.” According to him, Ukraine is ready to follow both the regular procedure for joining the EU and alternative routes, and, if necessary, will turn to other EU member states for support. Zelensky called for pressure on Orban because he “does not have the right to block Ukraine if Ukraine fulfills everything according to the appropriate process.”
