I heard he was going to use his veto – Belgian Prime Minister on Orban

The Prime Minister of Belgium spoke out about Orban’s actions towards Ukraine in the EU/Collage 24 Channel (photo Getty Images)

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo welcomed the decision of the European Council to open negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. He said that the European Union “appreciates the reforms” that Kiev has already carried out.

He also commented on the absence of the Hungarian Prime Minister in the hall when making a decision on negotiations with Ukraine. This is reported by a correspondent 24 Channel in Brussels.

De Kroo spoke about Orban's possible actions regarding Ukraine

The Belgian leader noted that the decision of the European Council to begin negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU is “a very important signal for Moscow.” He emphasized that the European community appreciates all the sacrifices that our state has made.

We appreciate the reforms that they (Ukrainian authorities – 24 Channel) are conducting what they did, and we are very clear about this,” De Croo said.

The Belgian Prime Minister also confirmed that Viktor Orban, who had threatened to block the decision against Ukraine, left the room during the voting. De Croo stressed that the presence of the Hungarian leader was not essential for opening accession negotiations for Ukraine.

“Indeed, I heard that he was going to use his veto. What “What I see is that he did not use his veto. And a decision in the Rada is always a decision that is made by consensus. What I see is that the veto was not used,” the Belgian leader said.

He noted that negotiations with Ukraine will begin on December 18. The Belgian prime minister also noted that Orban was “very aware of the decision that would be made.”

Orban left the hall during voting for Ukraine

• On December 14, the European Council decided to begin negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. A similar decision was also made for Moldova.
• At the same time, during the vote for Ukraine, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban demonstratively left the session hall. Thus, he abstained from voting.
• In addition, he posted a video online where he called the decision taken by EU leaders on Ukraine “irrational” under the current circumstances. He also noted that Hungary will follow its own path on the issue of Ukraine’s accession.
• Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olga Stefanishyna has already responded to Orban’s actions. She said that the Ukrainian side ironically “christened” this act as “Viktor Orban left the chat.”