Ruling party official thanks Hungary for supporting Georgia’s EU candidacy, urges Budapest not to hinder Ukraine’s EU bid

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday extended his gratitude to the Hungarian Government for supporting Georgia's European Union integration while also urging Budapest not to hinder Ukraine on its European integration path.

Mdinaradze’s comments followed the demand by Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to have Ukraine’s European Union membership taken off the agenda at the bloc’s summit next week.

Mdinaradze stressed Hungary was the “main supporter and lobbyist” of Georgia and its European integration.

“How can the stance [on Ukraine] of Hungary, which is the main supporter and lobbyist of this country and its European integration [...] have a negative impact [on Georgia]?”, Mdinaradze said. 

The only thing we interfere in their relationship with Ukraine is that we call on the Hungarians - [while saying] thank you for supporting us and lobbying for our cause - not to prevent Ukraine from moving forward on the path of European integration”, he continued.

In a letter sent to EU chief Charles Michel on Monday, Orbán demanded the postponement of key decisions on Ukraine, including additional financial aid and the possibility of the start of EU accession talks.