Hungary, which opposes Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, has blocked the EU’s annual statement on the bloc’s enlargement process, DW reports.

Accordingly, the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban did not support the positive assessment of progress toward Ukraine’s European integration.

Hungary’s veto means that Ukraine still cannot begin formal negotiations to join the EU. At the same time, informal consultations on the terms of accession are continuing, noted Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs of Denmark.

This gives Ukraine concrete guidance on how to implement reforms and what results the majority of EU member states expect, the minister explained.

Also, she expressed confidence that Kyiv would be able to make rapid progress in this regard if Hungary lifts its veto.

In addition to the assessment of Ukraine, the EU enlargement statement included an analysis of the progress of the six Balkan countries, as well as Turkey, Moldova, and Georgia.