Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto held talks in Budapest, discussing issues related to national minorities. Hungary has accused Ukraine of discriminating against the Hungarian ethnic minority, but both sides see positive dynamics in resolving these issues. Hungary has been seen as the most Kremlin-friendly country in the EU, often obstructing sanctions against Russia. Sybiha mentioned opening a bilingual Ukrainian-Hungarian school for Ukrainian children in Hungary, aiming to preserve Ukrainian identity and foster understanding between the two countries. Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the rights of persons belonging to the Hungarian national community.
Disputes between Kyiv and Budapest over the national minority question often revolve around Ukraine’s language laws, which mandate a majority of education to be conducted in Ukrainian. Hungary views this measure as discriminatory towards the Hungarian minority, while Kyiv asserts it is necessary for all Ukrainian citizens to have sufficient knowledge of the official language. Hungary has presented an 11-point request to Ukraine regarding the rights of national minorities, including the restoration of a national school status and the ability to use Hungarian in public life. In March, Hungary sent a document to EU member states criticizing Ukraine’s policies on national minorities, demanding the restoration of minority rights before 2015.
In September 2023, the Ukrainian parliament approved changes to the national minorities law, a step recommended by the European Commission for Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU. These changes, signed into law by President Zelensky in November, address some of the concerns raised by Hungary. Russia, an ally of Hungary, claimed its invasion of Ukraine was to protect Russian speakers in the country, but there is no evidence of discrimination against Russian-speakers in Ukraine. A survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 84% of Ukrainians believe there are no problems with using the Russian language in Ukraine. Orban’s arguments against Ukraine’s sanctions on Russian oil company Lukoil are losing credibility, as Hungary accused Ukraine of endangering its energy security after sanctions blocked Lukoil from transiting crude oil.
The meeting between Sybiha and Szijjarto in Budapest focused on a wide bilateral and international agenda, with discussions on resolving issues related to national minorities. Both sides acknowledged the positive dynamics in addressing these issues and agreed to cooperate further for understanding on sensitive matters. The Hungarians in Ukraine are considered an integral part of the Ukrainian political nation and a bridge of understanding between the two countries. While Hungary has raised concerns about Ukrainian language laws and minority rights, Kyiv emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all citizens have sufficient knowledge of the official language. The establishment of a bilingual school in Hungary for Ukrainian children is seen as a step towards preserving cultural roots and fostering mutual understanding between Ukraine and Hungary.
The European Union has been involved in encouraging dialogue between Ukraine and Hungary on issues related to national minorities, with recommendations for Ukraine’s accession to the EU including addressing minority rights. Hungary’s demands for the restoration of minority rights and the ability to use Hungarian in public life have been part of ongoing discussions between the two countries. Despite tensions and accusations of discrimination, both sides recognize the importance of cooperation and understanding to reach a resolution on sensitive issues. The visit by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister to a bilingual Ukrainian-Hungarian school in Hungary highlights efforts to promote cultural exchange and reaffirm commitments to minority rights. As Ukraine moves towards EU accession, addressing concerns related to national minorities is a crucial aspect of its integration process.
