PARIS, December 8. /TASS/. Hungary proposes that Ukraine and the European Union enter into a strategic partnership and boost cooperation, without Kiev joining the EU, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in an interview with the French magazine Le Point.

"I suggest that a treaty on strategic partnership be concluded with the Ukrainians to get on the same page on various issues, such as agriculture, customs and security. I favor upgrading our cooperation, though this does not mean membership," he said.

With this accomplished, it would be possible to bring "Ukraine closer to Europe," and further steps could be considered after a few years, Orban added. He stressed that he wants to convince French President Emmanuel Macron that just these measures are necessary.

The Hungarian Prime Minister said earlier that Budapest suggests that the issue of starting negotiations with Kiev on its joining the organization not be put on the agenda of the upcoming EU summit on December 14-15 in Brussels. He noted that Hungary would not veto the talks as it is not necessary, adding that there are certain issues on which decisions are made in the EU only after being approved by all countries, whereas in this case there is no consensus.

Leaders of 27 countries of the European Union could make a decision on launching talks with Ukraine and Moldova on EU membership, as well as granting candidate status to Georgia, at the summit on December 14-15. This is the proposal that was put forward by the European Commission in early November, which believes that Kiev and Chisinau have met all terms for the negotiations to begin, while Tbilisi - for receiving the status of candidate for the EU membership.