Denmark will continue to support Ukraine's membership in the European Union after it takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council on July 1, despite Hungary blocking the talks, Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bier said today, quoted by Reuters, BTA reports.
“Unfortunately, Hungary continues to block Ukraine's accession talks and we are doing our utmost to put pressure on it and to support Ukraine in continuing the necessary reforms“, Bier said at a press conference in Copenhagen.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is categorically opposed to providing military assistance to Ukraine from NATO and the EU. He claims that Ukraine's EU membership will harm Hungarian farmers and the economy as a whole, Reuters notes.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has already started implementing the necessary reforms and is ready to speed up negotiations. "When we get to the point of opening specific negotiation chapters, we can conclude them very quickly," the Danish minister said.
Denmark will also seek to reach agreement among EU countries on planned climate targets for 2040.
The European Commission plans to propose a legally binding target next month to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.
Given resistance from some countries, Brussels is considering options including setting a lower target for domestic industries and making up the difference through international carbon credits, Reuters notes.