Failure to convince Hungary would move talks on Ukraine's future to March – Landsbergis

VILNIUS - If EU leaders fail to persuade Budapest to support the start of Ukraine's EU membership talks, the issue could be moved to the next European Council meeting in March or even later, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says.

If Budapest does not renounce its veto, Europe will incur "severe damage", he pointed out.

"Maybe then we would move to the next European Council, which is in March. Some think that Hungary will take over the presidency after that, which starts in the second half of next year, and, gain, maybe there would be something there, maybe Hungary would want to show that they are then freeing up something. In any case, it would be severe damage to Europe", Landsbergis told reporters at the Seimas on Thursday.

He made the remarks as two days of intensive discussions on support for Ukraine are kicking off in Brussels and EU leaders are set to decide on a 50 billion euros financial package and EU membership talks with Kyiv.

Unlike the membership talks, the issue of support and the establishment of a common fund can be resolved without Budapest's approval, Landsbergis added.

"Regarding support, yes. Let's say, in Lithuania's case, Lithuania has earmarked support for Ukraine in its next year's budget, and it would be transferred to the fund, even if the fund is created without one or the other EU country," the minister said.

"This money, if slightly increased because of absence of one non-participating member state, can still be pooled in the common fund. We are prepared for such an eventuality if it happens (...) But the decision to start EU membership talks must be united. A veto is a veto, then they do not start," he added.