Poland and Slovakia have aligned with Hungary's reservations regarding Ukraine's accession process to the European Union (EU). The two countries pointed to low public support for the EU's eastward enlargement.
According to a report by the Telegraph, the governments in Warsaw and Bratislava have joined the countries sharing Budapest's doubts on Ukraine. The reason cited was weak public support for further enlargement of the European Union.
Emphasis that Hungary is not alone
On Tuesday, Politico reported that Hungary opposed sending a letter to the European Commission and the European Council containing the joint position of all member states on the membership of Ukraine and Moldova. This step is critical for advancing the accession process of the two countries.
The Telegraph's assessment stated: "Kyiv, with the support of several EU countries including Germany, wants to open the remaining five negotiation chapters as soon as possible. But Hungary is not alone in its doubts. Poland and Slovakia have joined the group of countries concerned about low public support for further EU enlargement."
What do public opinion polls say?
According to data cited by the newspaper, previous polls revealed that a majority of voters in Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, and even Estonia consider the EU's eastward enlargement a bad idea.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas acknowledged on February 15 that member states are not yet ready to give Ukraine a date for joining the union. Some European countries also continue to oppose Kyiv's EU membership.