The Hungarian Foreign Minister criticized that the EU enlargement process has seriously deviated from its course.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister bluntly says the EU enlargement process is "seriously off track"

Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Árbov stated at the Slovenian Brad Strategy Forum that the EU has deviated from its established path on enlargement, and its own significance has consequently diminished. She emphasized that the accession of new member states should still fully adhere to the principle of "rewarding merit."

Árbov pointed out: "Since Croatia became the last country to join the EU, no other nation has made substantial progress—this is truly embarrassing. We have indeed lost our way in the enlargement process."

She further noted that from a geopolitical perspective, "due to economic divergence, a sharp decline in its share of global GDP, and productivity issues," Europe’s importance has weakened. She believes the only remaining attractive feature of the EU is its single market.

Árbov also reiterated: "We uphold the principle that enlargement must be based on contribution, and we see several countries in the Western Balkans gradually approaching this standard. We hope Montenegro will complete negotiations this year, followed swiftly by Albania."

Previously, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Márki-Zay said in early June that Budapest would not obstruct the start of Ukraine's accession talks, provided Kyiv reaches an agreement on restoring the rights of ethnic Hungarians in the Transcarpathian region. However, he simultaneously stressed Hungary's opposition to any rapid accession—whether for Ukraine or any other country—and insisted on a gradual, merit-based approach.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1875091773349000/

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