Denmark has affirmed its commitment to advancing Ukraine’s bid for EU membership as it prepares to assume the presidency of the European Council starting July 1, despite Hungary’s ongoing blockade of negotiations.
European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre stated at a press conference in Copenhagen that Denmark will do everything possible to maintain pressure on Hungary and support Ukraine’s reform efforts. “Unfortunately, Hungary is blocking progress, and we are trying to exert as much influence as we can to ensure Ukraine continues the necessary reforms,” she said.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been a vocal opponent of providing military and financial aid to Ukraine through NATO and the EU, arguing that Ukraine’s accession could harm Hungarian farmers and destabilize the economy.
Ukraine has already started the required reforms and is prepared to accelerate negotiations. Bjerre emphasized that once the EU is ready to open specific negotiation chapters, Denmark stands ready to close them swiftly.
In addition to Ukraine, Denmark aims to foster consensus among EU member states on the bloc’s ambitious climate goals for 2040. The European Commission is expected to propose in July a legally binding target to reduce EU-wide emissions by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2040, marking a significant step in the EU’s climate policy.
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