Orbán-EUCO Is Not In Position To Decide On Ukraine Membership

Delivering doorstep comments at the European Council summit in Brussels, Orbán states that 'our stance will not change', and that the Council 'is not in a position to decide on Ukraine membership'. Orbán: 'The money for Ukraine for the short-term is already in the budget'. States that he supports long-term financial aid to Ukraine outside of EU budget.'

• On Ukraine membership, Orban states that 'if you have not fulfilled conditions there is no chance to start talks on membership....It is not about bargains, not about deals.'
• Raises the issue of next year's European Parliament election, arguing that talks cannot start until that democratic process is completed.
• Orbán has stated his opposition to amending the EU's long-term budget to finance EUR50bn in aid to Ukraine over the coming three years, and to opening EU-Ukraine accession talks.
• The European Commission's decision on 13 Dec to unfreeze EUR10.2bn in cohesion funding to Hungary could prove enough to see Orbán end his opposition to the proposed Ukraine aid (see 1644GMT 13 Dec bullet).
• The prospect of a swift conclusion to the summit seems slim, with the notable prospect of lengthy negotiations into the night and press conferences coming at unexpected times.