Hungary threatens to block the start of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, and the EC has confirmed the completion of four of the seven steps.

Hungary can block the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. But this will not happen unless the country’s demands made to Ukraine regarding a law on language in education for national minorities are met. The legislation obliges minorities, including Hungarians, to receive at least 70% of their education in the Ukrainian language, which can put children at a disadvantage.

Meanwhile, the European Commission considers that four of the seven criteria that accompanied the granting of candidate status for EU accession to Ukraine have been fully met. The other three have further recommendations for their implementation.

On November 8, the EU will publish an official report assessing Ukraine’s progress and recommend the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession.  According to the Deputy Prime Minister for European integration, Olga Stefanishyna, the EC report will reveal Ukraine’s progress and suggest the next steps to fulfill all the requirements.