It is noted that the European Commission insists on starting formal negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova as early as June "to give both countries a positive signal regarding their EU aspirations".

The European Commission will therefore announce a decision on the recommendation to start negotiations on June 7. But Georgia, which adopted the law on "foreign agents" despite Brussels' warnings, will not get the "green light".

"The Brussels recommendation requires unanimity from EU governments and Hungary is expected to raise objections, citing issues such as Kyiv's treatment of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine", the report says.

As of July 1, Hungary will take over the EU presidency, giving it additional leverage to set the agenda for meetings where Ukraine-related issues are discussed.

Ukraine's EU accession: what is known

On February 28, 2022, Ukraine applied to the European Union  regarding immediate accession through a special procedure.

On June 23, 2022, Ukraine received candidate status for EU accession.

On November 8, 2023, the European Commission recommended starting the process of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

On February 21, 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the negotiating framework for Ukraine's accession to the EU will be ready in early summer — after the European elections.

On February 22, President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine's goal is to start accession talks by June.

On March 12, it became known that European Commissioner Varghei proposed to recognize as completed only two of the four steps necessary for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

On May 29, it was reported that the EU plans to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the bloc before Hungary assumes the EU Council presidency on July 1. Kyiv has met most of the conditions for accession.