European Commission President makes harsh statement about Hungary on its EU accession anniversary

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (photo: RBC-Ukraine)

If Hungary were to apply for membership in the European Union today, it would also be checked to see if it meets the requirements, says Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

“Hungary would go through the same process as any other country that wants to join the European Union. It starts with… checking whether the applicant meets the requirements, ranging from economic activity and the rule of law and a stable judiciary to a corruption-free public life. Because it is important for all of us that all citizens of the European Union have the same rights,” the head of the European Commission explained.

Hungary’s accession to the EU

Hungary joined the European Union on May 1, 2004. Thus, the European Union was expanded to 25 states, with Hungary joining at the same time as 9 other states.

According to the head of the European Commission, the 2004 enlargement is a “great success story” whose benefits can be felt by citizens who can freely travel, study and work in the EU.

The enlargement has also given a big boost to the economy, as intra-EU trade has grown by 40% in two decades and 6 million jobs have been created in the ten new member states, while unemployment has been halved.

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