Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate for President of Poland from the ruling Civic Coalition (KO) and current Mayor of Warsaw, hopes to overcome Hungary’s opposition, which is blocking the start of European Commission negotiations with Ukraine on its accession to the European Union.
In a brief interview with Ukrinform, Trzaskowski expressed optimism about convincing all parties involved.
“I hope we can convince everyone,” Trzaskowski said.
However, he noted that Ukrainians must understand how challenging and lengthy the negotiation process will be.
“I remember that in Poland’s case, it took many years, and it was a very complicated process that required us to adapt to our partners on many issues, it required reforms and compromises,” the politician emphasized.
Trzaskowski assured that Poland is ready to share its experience with Ukraine on the path to European integration.
“We will help, we will share our experience. But these negotiations will certainly not be easy. For example, Ukraine’s future in the European agricultural policy is uncertain, and we must openly discuss this issue. The EU will also need to increase its budget, and that is absolutely clear to me,” the presidential candidate stated.
As reported, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna, mentioned that Kyiv expects the opening of three negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s EU accession during Poland’s presidency of the EU Council. Any blocking of this process would indicate that Europe “is shirking its responsibility for security on its continent.”
She also pointed out that Hungary’s blocking of Ukraine-EU negotiations is a “controversial stance.” Budapest knows that Kyiv has no intention of worsening the situation of the Hungarian or any other national minority in Ukraine.
Photo: PAP
Source: Poland’s presidential candidate hopes to overcome Hungary's opposition to Ukraine's EU accession
