PRIME MINISTER Mr. Charles Michel, President of the European Council Brussels Budapest, 4 December 2023 Dear Mr. President, Iam writing you in preparation of the meeting of the European Council scheduled for 14-15 December 2023. There are expectations that on this occasion the European Council can and must decide on starting accession negotiations with Ukraine and on the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-27. In view of the current level of political and technical preparations, these expectations are unfounded. The Commission's recent proposal related to the accession process of Ukraine marks the end of the European Union's enlargement policy as an objective and merit-based instrument, The European Council is now called upon to endorse this proposal, without previously having the opportunity to discuss it. It is clear that unity cannot be achieved on the basis of the Commission's proposal as it is contrary to the conclusions of the European Council from 23-24 June 2022. Therefore, new options need to be developed. In my previous letter I reiterated my initiative to hold a strategic discussion on our general approach and policies towards Ukraine. I still believe that the European Council is not in a position to take key decisions unless a consensus on our future strategy towards Ukraine is found. Member States are also far from reaching a consensus on the revision of the 2021- 2027 Multiannual Financial Framework. Discussions so far have been too much focused on the Commission's unsubstantiated, unbalanced and unrealistic proposal. 1/2A new, inventive and future-proof approach is needed based on the political and financial realities in the Member States. This requires further efforts, additional time and a more comprehensive reflection. I respectfully urge you not to invite the European Council to decide on these matters in December as the obvious lack of consensus would inevitably lead to failure. The European Council must avoid this counterproductive scenario for the sake of unity, Yours sincerely, to Hh > v ORBAN Viktor ‘our most important asset. CC: Presidency of the Council ofthe European Union 2/2