Ukraine and Hungary have finalized a significant agreement aimed at enhancing the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Márki-Zay announced the development on social media, highlighting the swift progress made in negotiations that had previously stalled for years.
Márki-Zay stated, “In just three weeks, we have achieved what Viktor Orbán and his team could not accomplish in ten years. We have reached a comprehensive agreement with Ukraine regarding the expansion of linguistic, educational, cultural, and political rights for the Hungarian minority, which numbers in the hundreds of thousands.” This agreement follows intense discussions involving experts from both countries and representatives from the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia.
The Ukrainian government has committed to implementing the agreed measures into its legislation promptly. A key aspect of the agreement is the restoration of the education system for national minorities. The Hungarian language will be freely used not only in educational settings but also in all forms of school communication. Students in national minority schools will be permitted to use Hungarian symbols, perform the Hungarian national anthem during ceremonies, display the national flag, and incorporate Hungarian-language signage within their schools. Furthermore, school administration can be conducted in Hungarian, and certificates and diplomas may also be issued in the language.
Students from the Hungarian minority will have the opportunity to take graduation and entrance exams in Hungarian. They will also be able to take a graduation exam in Hungarian language and literature. The curriculum in minority schools will only expand to include subjects taught in Ukrainian with prior consent from parents.
Márki-Zay emphasized that the Ukrainian side has guaranteed the preservation of minority schools, even if the number of students decreases. This assurance aims to support the continuity of education for the Hungarian-speaking population.
The agreement also extends to linguistic rights. In areas where the Hungarian population exceeds 10%, the use of Hungarian national symbols will be permitted. The Hungarian language will be freely utilized in medical services, at sports events, and during academic conferences. Additionally, political activities in these regions may be conducted in Hungarian, with election ballots and informational materials available in the language.
Members of the Hungarian minority will retain the right to preserve their national traditions and customs, celebrate their national holidays, and conduct events related to their history, culture, and religion in Hungarian.
They will also have the right to establish national cultural and educational institutions. Márki-Zay noted that Ukraine’s commitments would also be reflected in a plan of action required by the European Union. If these commitments are fulfilled, Hungary will agree to initiate the first cluster of negotiations regarding Ukraine’s EU membership.
However, he reiterated that Hungary does not support expedited negotiations for Ukraine’s EU accession. If Ukraine manages to close all 33 chapters of the accession negotiations within 10 to 15 years, Hungary will conduct a legally binding referendum on the matter.
Márki-Zay had previously expressed willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once the issue of minority rights in Transcarpathia was resolved. The two parties are currently discussing 11 points related to educational, cultural, and linguistic rights.
Ukraine and Hungary have reached a landmark agreement to enhance the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, covering education, language, and cultural practices. The deal follows extensive negotiations and includes commitments from Ukraine to implement these rights into its legislation.