Magyar: Ukraine's language concessions insufficient, meets with Transcarpathian leader

As a leading voice in Hungarian politics, Péter Magyar has directly addressed the ongoing concerns of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, particularly regarding language rights. Magyar Nemzet, reflecting a common sentiment within Hungary, reports on Magyar's call for Ukraine to uphold European values by granting greater linguistic freedoms to its Hungarian population.

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The concessions made by the Ukrainian government in the field of education in 2025 are progressive, but not enough.

Magyar's statement underscores the persistent issue of language use in Ukrainian public life, including education and administration. He points out that despite some concessions, the core of the problem remains: the official language policy heavily favors Ukrainian, leaving minority communities, such as the Hungarians in Transcarpathia, unable to conduct official business or receive education in their mother tongue, even in areas where they form the majority.

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The Hungarian minority cannot request official administration in their mother tongue, not even in settlements with a majority Hungarian population.

This issue is particularly sensitive for Hungary, given its historical ties and the significant Hungarian diaspora in neighboring countries. Magyar's assurance of support from "the motherland" and the "Tisza government" to Hungarians in Transcarpathia signals a strong commitment to protecting the interests of ethnic Hungarians abroad. His call for Ukraine to "dare to take a big step towards European values" frames the language rights issue within a broader context of Ukraine's aspirations for European integration, suggesting that genuine adherence to these values necessitates respecting minority rights.

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I encourage the Ukrainian leadership to also dare to take a big step towards European values and true freedom and equality in these areas.