Budapest and Kyiv will discuss the status of the Hungarian national minority

N1 Serbia reports on a significant diplomatic development between Hungary and Ukraine, signaling a potential thaw in relations under Hungary's new leadership. The planned consultations regarding the rights of the Hungarian ethnic minority in Ukraine represent a crucial step towards mending ties that were previously strained under Viktor Orbán's government. Orbán's administration had often linked its stance on providing aid to Ukraine with the treatment of the Hungarian minority, particularly concerning language and education laws.

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Consultations at the expert level aimed at resolving the rights of the Hungarian minority will begin as early as this week.

The article highlights the shift in approach by Hungary's new Foreign Minister, Anita Orban (no relation to the former PM), who expressed optimism about constructive and productive dialogue. The focus on "expert-level consultations" aims to swiftly address minority rights issues, with the hope of tangible progress for the Hungarian community in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region. This proactive stance by the new Hungarian government underscores a desire to reset bilateral relations and move beyond the contentious policies of the past.

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I believe the dialogue will be constructive and productive, and that negotiations will soon bring tangible progress for the Hungarian community.

From a regional perspective, particularly for countries with significant minority populations, the way Hungary and Ukraine navigate these discussions is closely watched. The article notes that these talks are framed as a "precondition" for Hungary's support of Ukraine's EU accession, indicating that Budapest is leveraging this issue to advance its broader geopolitical interests. The success of these consultations could set a precedent for how minority rights are handled in the region and influence the dynamics of Ukraine's integration into the European Union. The emphasis on dialogue and finding common ground is a departure from the previous confrontational approach, offering a more hopeful outlook for both bilateral relations and the well-being of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

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My government is not asking for anything more than what every minority in Europe deserves.