EU Talks with Ukraine and Moldova Proceed as Hungary Lifts Veto

Ukraine has received approval from EU leaders to begin official talks to join the European Union, after Hungary dropped its veto threat. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had been opposing the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine, citing concerns about corruption, minority rights, and the influence of oligarchs. However, Orban left the room during the vote, allowing the remaining 26 member states to approve the talks. EU accession negotiations can take years or even decades to complete. Hungary also prevented the approval of €50 billion in financing for Ukraine, postponing further discussions until January.