Finland, Lithuania Push for Ukraine's Rapid EU Membership

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized the need to strengthen the European pillar of NATO and support Ukraine's aspirations for EU membership by 2030, highlighting the ongoing threat from Russia. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda indicated that Ukraine could potentially join the EU before some Balkan countries, contingent on Ukraine's commitments. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna viewed Hungary's referendum on Ukraine's EU membership as a minor obstacle, confident that negotiations will proceed this year. Conversely, Hungary's European Affairs Minister Janos Boka expressed opposition to Ukraine's expedited accession to the EU and integration into Europe's defense system. Meanwhile, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico supported Ukraine's EU integration but reiterated his country's reluctance to provide military assistance and warned against delaying Ukraine's membership due to geopolitical tensions. The discussions among European leaders underline the complex dynamics surrounding Ukraine's EU candidacy amidst varying national sentiments.