Will the EU use the ‘Orbán methodology’ once more, if needed? – EURACTIV.com

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Why not make the Hungarian espresso break that saved the EU’s determination on Ukraine accession talks – let’s name it the ‘Orbán methodology’ – a possible mannequin for the longer term?

It got here as a shock to many summit watchers when EU leaders agreed on Thursday (14 December) to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate standing to Georgia, regardless of an earlier risk from Hungary to veto the deal.

It was the proper diplomatic feat: In a pre-cooked transfer, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán left the room when the choice was about to be taken, understanding the opposite leaders would go forward and vote on Ukraine.

As such EU summit choices require the unanimous assist of all EU27, it could not have been doable with the Hungarian chief current.

Earlier than the summit, within the morning over breakfast, a number of EU leaders had met with Orbán and mentioned the matter, in accordance with EU diplomats with information of the discussions.

A day earlier than, the European Fee additionally unblocked €10.2 billion for Hungary, which had been withheld on account of misgivings in regards to the nation’s rule of legislation.

Every week earlier than the summit, the Hungarian prime minister hinted in an interview he wouldn’t use his veto to dam a choice on enlargement for Ukraine.

“Legally talking, it’s not precisely a veto. Let’s say I’m not contributing to decide that I believe is dangerous,” he mentioned on the time.

On Thursday night time, Orbán “was momentarily absent from the room in a pre-agreed and constructive method,” an EU official mentioned when dryly describing the transfer, recognized in Brussels as ‘constructive abstention’.

“If somebody is absent, they’re absent. Legally, it’s completely legitimate,” the official added.

It’s also a extremely uncommon methodology to approve a choice – particularly such a serious one – despite the fact that EU diplomats have lengthy been very inventive about find out how to strike offers when EU summits had been deadlocked by the requirement to achieve a unanimous determination between leaders.

Actually, it has by no means been utilized in such a manner earlier than by EU leaders.

EU member states have already sporadically began utilizing this selection, for instance, when international ministers voted on the brand new EU coaching mission for the Ukrainian navy.

A giant chunk of EU officers and diplomats chatting with us after the summit shock mentioned the step can very properly be seen as a breaking level for a way troublesome summit choices might be unlocked sooner or later.

Over practically two years, the Ukraine case has proven that the flexibility to make swift choices in instances of disaster will decide whether or not the EU retains its position as a international coverage actor.

Within the minds of many, this week’s summit workaround would possibly encourage the bloc to make use of the ‘Orbán methodology’ once more, ought to it’s needed.

And, there may very well be one other necessity quickly.

EU leaders couldn’t overcome Hungary’s resistance to revamp the EU price range offering €50 billion to Kyiv and more money for different duties corresponding to managing migration.

They expressed confidence on Friday (15 December) that they might clear a big package deal of help for Ukraine early in 2024, regardless of a veto by Hungary at this summit.

EU leaders, who would favor a deal backed by all 27 members but additionally have a Plan B, are anticipated to revisit the difficulty at an emergency summit on the finish of January or early in February.

French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned the EU was “not blocked” from offering Ukraine help subsequent yr, including he felt Orbán had an incentive to achieve a deal.

“We’re working very onerous to have an settlement by 27 member states,” European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned, including: “However I believe it’s now additionally essential to work on potential alternate options to have an operational resolution in case that an settlement by 27 – by unanimity – is just not doable.”

“More often than not, we should always decide collectively,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had truly advised to Orbán to depart the room, advised reporters. “That’s not one thing you need to do each time.”

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ENLARGEMENT LATEST

GRADUAL INTEGRATION | On the EU-Western Balkans summit, leaders mentioned accession and emphasised the necessity for vital reforms.

A gradual integration of EU candidate international locations into the bloc’s constructions is “not a substitute for membership” however one of the best ways to maintain enlargement on observe and obtain sooner outcomes, Austria’s Overseas Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his counterpart from North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, advised Euractiv in a joint interview earlier within the week.

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