Technical consultations regarding Ukraine’s European integration have resulted in an agreement on most of Hungary’s demands, though the issue of minority representation in Ukraine’s parliament remains unresolved.
According to reports from Suspilne, during discussions last week, negotiators managed to agree on 10 out of 11 demands put forth by Hungary. However, the topic of national minority representation in the Verkhovna Rada has yet to be addressed, and it could become a focal point in future negotiations with the European Union.
Both parties have decided to consult the Council of Europe (Venice Commission) and the OSCE for guidance on how to implement this issue. It is anticipated that this matter may resurface during talks related to the first cluster, which includes human rights considerations.
In several EU countries, such as Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia, electoral systems are structured to include special quotas for minority representatives.
Sources indicate that Bulgaria is also preparing to present its own demands regarding national minorities in Ukraine. One EU diplomat noted, “I have heard from them that Bulgarians want to secure educational rights for their minority in Ukraine. They face a challenge where their people abroad often speak Russian, and they wish to promote the Bulgarian language.”
The Romanian permanent representation to the EU did not respond to inquiries from Suspilne.
On Wednesday, EU ambassadors are expected to agree on a negotiation position concerning the first cluster of talks regarding Ukraine’s EU accession, which will outline both interim and final requirements.
In related developments, the relationship between Ukraine and Hungary has evolved following the recent parliamentary elections in Hungary, where the Tisza party, led by Peter Madyar, emerged victorious on April 12. Madyar has indicated a commitment to restoring cooperation with NATO and the EU, particularly with the Visegrad Group countries, and announced plans for his first official visit to Poland.
On May 6, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Hungary had returned funds and valuables belonging to Oschadbank, which had been seized by Hungarian authorities during the detention of Ukrainian cash transporters in March. Hungary also lifted its ban on their entry into the Schengen Area.
By May 9, Madyar was officially sworn in as Hungary’s Prime Minister, and on May 14, he declared the end of the state of emergency that had been imposed by his predecessor, Viktor Orban, due to a “threat of war.”
On May 20, Ukraine and Hungary initiated expert-level consultations involving Foreign Ministers Andriy Sybiga and Anita Orban, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka, focusing on various cooperation issues.
However, on May 22, Hungary imposed a ban on the import of agricultural products from Ukraine. Madyar subsequently expressed willingness to meet with President Zelensky in Berehove, provided that Ukraine meets Hungary’s requirements regarding the rights of ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraine.
As of June 2, Hungary has not indicated any change in its stance regarding the opening of the first cluster of negotiations for Ukraine’s EU accession, with the start date remaining uncertain and contingent on ongoing consultations.
On June 3, Ukraine and Hungary reached an agreement to enhance the linguistic, educational, cultural, and political rights of the Hungarian minority.
On June 2, Prime Minister Madyar stated that negotiations at the technical level concerning the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine were ongoing and could conclude within the week. Sources from European diplomatic circles confirmed that the parties are indeed close to an agreement.
On May 29, Madyar expressed readiness to meet with President Zelensky following the resolution of issues concerning the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. The discussions involve 11 points related to educational, cultural, and linguistic rights.
Ultimately, on June 3, Ukraine and Hungary successfully negotiated an agreement to expand the rights of the Hungarian minority.
Ukraine and Hungary have made significant progress in EU integration talks, agreeing on most demands, but the issue of minority representation remains contentious. Future negotiations may revisit this topic as both nations seek to address minority rights more comprehensively.