Hungary again blocks opening of EU accession clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine

The Council of the EU's Working Party on Enlargement (COELA) once again failed to approve the screening results for Ukraine's negotiating clusters 2 and 3 on 8 September, as Hungary continues to block the decision.

Source: European Pravda's Brussels correspondent, citing sources in the EU

Details: European diplomats failed on 8 September to persuade Hungary to agree to the opening of clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine.

Quote: "Member states have not changed their positions. Hungary does not agree to move forward with the opening of clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine."

Details: The opening of clusters for Moldova is also blocked, although Hungary said in July 2026 that it was willing to approve the screening results for cluster 3 for Moldova. Other EU member states, however, have so far refused to separate Moldova and Ukraine in the accession process.

Background:

• It was reported earlier that Hungary has still not informed Ukraine of its demands for the opening of new clusters.
• On 1 September, Hungary once again refused to approve the screening results for clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine, demanding that Kyiv take certain legislative steps regarding the Hungarian national minority.

Subscribe on Patreon to back our journalism long-term.