Hungary has expressed cautious optimism regarding Ukraine’s fulfillment of Budapest’s demands on national minorities issues, stating that there have been some positive signs in recent weeks. The disputes between Budapest and Kyiv primarily revolve around Ukraine’s language laws, which mandate that at least 70% of education above the fifth grade be conducted in Ukrainian. Hungary has accused Ukraine of discriminating against the Hungarian ethnic minority concentrated in southwestern Ukraine, while Kyiv argues that the laws are aimed at ensuring every Ukrainian citizen has sufficient knowledge of the official language. Budapest has presented an 11-point request to Ukraine, including the restoration of the status of a national school, the ability to take a high school diploma in Hungarian, and the use of Hungarian in public life.
In mid-March, Hungary sent a document to EU member states criticizing Ukraine’s policies on national minorities, demanding the restoration of rights its minority had before 2015. The document stated that the protection of national minorities’ rights is a priority for Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU and called for political representation at regional and national levels for minorities. Ukraine has not publicly responded to the document. In September 2023, the Ukrainian parliament approved changes to the national minorities law as part of the steps recommended by the European Commission for Ukraine’s EU accession. The changes were signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelensky in November.
In an effort to address the unresolved issues surrounding national minorities, Ukraine and Hungary agreed to establish a special commission to present a concrete understanding of the topic within 10 days, according to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. This move is intended to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between the two countries in resolving disputes related to minority rights. The establishment of the commission reflects a commitment to finding mutually acceptable solutions that address the concerns raised by Hungary while upholding the rights and interests of national minorities in Ukraine. By engaging in constructive dialogue and collaboration, both countries aim to work towards resolving longstanding issues and fostering positive relations.
The establishment of the special commission between Ukraine and Hungary signifies a diplomatic effort to address the challenges related to national minorities in a constructive and cooperative manner. By committing to finding solutions through dialogue and cooperation, both countries demonstrate a willingness to navigate difficult issues and prioritize the rights and interests of minority communities. The commission’s role in presenting a concrete understanding of the topic within a specified timeframe highlights a sense of urgency and determination to make meaningful progress. Through this collaborative approach, Ukraine and Hungary seek to enhance their relationship and build mutual trust while addressing longstanding grievances and working towards mutually acceptable solutions.
As the discussions between Ukraine and Hungary continue regarding national minorities issues, there is a potential for further progress and cooperation in addressing the concerns raised by Budapest. The positive signs noted by Hungarian State Secretary Tristan Azbej indicate a willingness on both sides to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground on the contentious issues surrounding minority rights. By working together to find mutually acceptable solutions, Ukraine and Hungary have the opportunity to strengthen their relationship, improve cooperation, and address the grievances of minority communities. The establishment of the special commission marks a significant step towards resolving longstanding disputes and fostering positive relations between the two countries.
