EU enlargement chief says Ukraine’s membership ‘inevitable’ despite Hungary’s objections

The European Union’s enlargement commissioner expressed confidence Wednesday that Hungary won’t impede Ukraine’s EU membership process, which she characterized as “inevitable” despite ongoing obstacles.

“I’m not worried,” Commissioner Marta Kos told reporters during a visit to a thermal power plant in western Ukraine that suffered extensive damage from Russian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure. “I would be worried if there were real concerns.”

Kos emphasized the security implications of Ukraine’s potential EU membership, stating, “On EU membership of Ukraine — which is inevitable — I see this as a political anchor of security guarantees. There has never been a war on the territory of the European Union.”

The visit comes at a critical juncture for Ukraine’s EU aspirations. The country applied for membership shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, and Kos is now preparing to convene an informal meeting of European affairs ministers on Thursday to discuss the next phase of accession talks.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Kos suggested the membership process could potentially accelerate. “The quicker the reforms which are needed will be done, the quicker the process can be,” she said, emphasizing Ukraine’s agency in determining the pace of integration.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has remained a significant roadblock, opposing the launch of membership talks while the war continues. However, Kos dismissed these concerns, asserting, “We do not need Orbán to do the reforms which are necessary for Ukraine to become a member of the EU.”

The backdrop of her comments—a heavily damaged power facility—underscored the urgent security challenges facing Ukraine. The Slovenian diplomat toured the thermal plant where machinery was blackened, control panels melted, and a massive hole gaped in one building’s roof—visible evidence of Russia’s systematic targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Andrii, a turbine operator who was on duty during a recent attack, described the harrowing experience to reporters. “The first thing you feel is a huge rush of adrenaline. There’s heavy smoke, loud noise, pressure—you can’t hear your colleagues,” he recounted. “Damaged equipment means escaping steam and high-temperature feedwater. At first it’s very difficult to orient yourself in the smoke.”

For security reasons, officials requested that the plant’s exact location and employees’ full names be withheld from publication.

The facility is one of six thermal power plants operated by private utility company DTEK that have sustained major damage during Russia’s intensified drone and missile campaign in recent weeks. These attacks have severely compromised Ukraine’s energy grid, leaving millions periodically without power and heating as the country approaches winter.

Ukraine’s EU membership ambitions reflect its broader geopolitical realignment away from Russia’s sphere of influence. While Kyiv hopes to join the bloc by the end of the decade, officials remain frustrated that their path to NATO membership appears more uncertain, despite the alliance’s verbal support.

The EU enlargement process typically requires candidates to implement substantial reforms across various sectors, including judiciary, economy, and public administration. Ukraine has already been granted candidate status, an important preliminary step, but faces the challenge of pursuing these reforms while defending itself against Russian aggression.

Kos concluded her visit by praising the resilience of power workers and Ukrainian society. “There is no other more resistant nation in the world which I know than the Ukrainians,” she remarked, adding a pointed reference to Russian miscalculations: “Putin said it would take one week. But here we are and it’s been nearly four years, so you are already the winners.”

This encouragement comes as Ukraine continues to face dual challenges of defending its territory and pursuing the reforms necessary for European integration—a path that appears increasingly central to the country’s long-term security strategy.