Germans could pose a potential stumbling block for Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union, as they expressed scepticism over the country’s accession in a recent poll.
Conducted by euopinions, the survey revealed that within the EU, 60 percent of respondents favour Ukraine’s membership, while 40 percent stand in disagreement. However, the German perspective stood out, with a majority of 52 percent opposing Ukraine’s entry into the EU, and a minority of 48 percent in favour.
The discord within Germany marks a significant departure from the broader EU sentiment and has sparked concerns about the unity of member states in crucial decisions.
It comes at a pivotal moment when the EU has just agreed to initiate talks for Ukraine and Moldova to join the bloc in what was deemed a historic breakthrough during the December summit.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, hailed the decision as “a clear signal of hope for their people and for our continent,” emphasising the positive outlook for both nations.
The agreement was particularly poignant for Ukraine, which sought EU membership just days after Russia’s violent invasion.
The euphoria surrounding the decision, however, faced a potential derailment when Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary, questioned Ukraine’s readiness to commence accession negotiations.
Orban claimed that enlargement is a “merits-based, legally detailed process” with prerequisites that Ukraine must fulfil before initiating negotiations.
The sentiments expressed by the Hungarian leader hint at underlying tensions within the EU, where unanimity is often sought in crucial matters.
As the EU grapples with its internal dynamics, the unity displayed during the December summit may be put to the test.
