Budapest demands Ukraine act on minority rights before supporting EU bid

The Hungarian government has signalled it may reconsider its stance on Ukraine’s European Union membership, but Kyiv must take “concrete steps” before any progress can be made.

Levente Magyar, Hungary’s Deputy Foreign Minister, made the remarks following talks with Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister, Taras Kachka, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Magyar said the discussions focused on Budapest’s position regarding Kyiv’s EU integration and the reasons behind Hungary’s current blockade of membership talks.

He particularly emphasised concerns over the rights of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine’s Transcarpathian region.

“The Vice Prime Minister has pledged to personally engage in a bilateral process aimed at jointly resolving disputes concerning minority rights. We are ready to continue, but we expect Ukraine to finally take tangible steps,” Magyar stated.

He also cautioned Ukraine against failing to fulfil its commitments, highlighting that any progress would depend on Kyiv’s actions in addressing Hungary’s concerns.

By Aghakazim Guliyev