Hungary, Ukraine agree on minority rights after weeks of talks

Hungary has finalized a significant agreement with Ukraine concerning the rights of the Hungarian minority, following intensive negotiations spanning several weeks. Anita Orbán, representing Hungary, announced the deal, emphasizing it signifies a "new Hungary" committed to a shared European future.

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a new Hungary was born, a country that returns to building a common European future with renewed commitment.

The agreement specifically addresses the rights of the Hungarian minority in the Zakarpattia region across education, public administration, and cultural spheres. A key achievement highlighted by Orbán is the inclusion of this bilateral agreement as a reference point within the EU-Ukraine action plan for minority rights. This integration ensures the deal is not just a bilateral matter but also part of Ukraine's broader European integration framework.

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the bilateral agreement enshrines the rights of the Hungarian minority in the fields of education, public administration, symbol use, and culture.

Orbán detailed that the first cluster of EU accession talks, focusing on fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law, will open soon. The bilateral agreement is embedded within this process, including an "intermediate benchmark." Should Ukraine fail to meet its obligations under the agreement, the accession process for this first cluster will automatically cease. Hungary has stated it will not support alternative solutions, advocating instead for a performance- and reform-based accession following the standard methodology.

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if Ukraine does not fulfill the commitments set out in the agreement, the accession process in the first cluster will automatically stop.

European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Marta Kos, confirmed that Ukraine and Moldova have met their commitments, paving the way for the opening of the first negotiation cluster. She anticipates further clusters may open in July, marking a significant step since both countries gained candidate status in 2023. Responding to concerns about veto rights regarding Ukraine's future membership, Kos assured that new-generation accession treaties will include safeguards to ensure new member states adhere to EU rules long-term. She reiterated that the EU only recognizes full membership, but the accession process must remain merit-based, with the EU also working to strengthen various forms of gradual integration.

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Hungary does not support any other solution, but supports accession based on performance and reform, i.e. the normal process, based on the existing accession methodology.