Hungary signals breakthrough on Ukraine’s EU bid

Hungary’s new government is signalling a possible shift in its approach to Ukraine’s European Union accession, raising cautious expectations in Brussels that a long-standing deadlock could be eased. As Euronews points out, officials in Budapest have indicated readiness to engage with Kyiv, particularly on the sensitive issue of minority rights, which has been the central obstacle in bilateral relations.

During a recent meeting of EU ambassadors, Hungary’s representative said the government is now prepared to work toward concrete outcomes with Ukraine. This marks a notable departure from the policy under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose administration had blocked the opening of the first cluster of accession negotiations. This initial phase covers key reforms, including rule of law and financial oversight.

Tensions between Budapest and Kyiv have long centred on the Hungarian minority living in Ukraine’s western Transcarpathia region. Although the issue remains politically sensitive in Hungary, the new leadership under Péter Magyar is taking a more pragmatic approach. The government has initiated technical consultations with Ukraine aimed at securing guarantees for the linguistic, educational, and cultural rights of ethnic Hungarians.

These discussions build on an 11-point plan developed under the previous government, which Hungary continues to view as a benchmark for progress. According to sources cited by Euronews, if Ukraine implements these measures and gains the approval of representatives of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia, Budapest would likely support opening the first stage of accession talks.

Diplomatic engagement is also expected at the leadership level. Magyar has announced plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in early June, potentially in Berehove, a town regarded as a center of the Hungarian community in Ukraine. Zelenskyy, who recently met members of the Hungarian minority, has described the issue as manageable, emphasizing that ethnic Hungarians are equal citizens of Ukraine. Hungarian officials have viewed these remarks as constructive.

The European Union has made minority rights a key condition for Ukraine’s accession, requiring Kyiv to implement a comprehensive action plan covering not only Hungarians but also Romanians, Poles, and Bulgarians. Ukraine has already taken steps in this direction, including introducing a national day celebrating the Romanian language as part of efforts to improve relations with Romania.

Further developments may emerge at the upcoming European Council meeting, where both Magyar and Zelenskyy are expected to be present. However, according to Euronews, the office of European Council President António Costa will only formally place Ukraine’s accession on the agenda if tangible progress is achieved, particularly regarding Hungary’s veto.

Following a recent phone conversation with Costa, Magyar confirmed that Hungary has launched technical consultations with Ukraine to ensure guarantees for minority rights. He stressed that any further steps in the accession process must be preceded by clear protections for the Hungarian community.

This position has been echoed by Márton Hajdu, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Hungary’s parliament, who stated that legally guaranteed language, education, and cultural rights are essential for progress.

However, challenges remain. Sources suggest that elements within the original 11-point plan may be politically difficult for Ukraine to fully implement, potentially complicating negotiations. These provisions, described as “hidden landmines,” could slow progress despite the renewed dialogue.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has welcomed the shift in tone from Budapest, calling Hungary’s recent election a “pivotal moment” for Ukraine’s European integration. He reaffirmed Kyiv’s readiness to engage on all outstanding issues in order to rebuild trust and strengthen relations.

Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Orbán also confirmed that expert-level consultations involving representatives of the Hungarian minority will begin, indicating a more structured negotiation process.

While a potential lifting of Hungary’s veto would represent a significant step forward, it would only mark the beginning of a complex accession process. Other EU member states have yet to clearly outline their positions and are expected to do so as negotiations progress.

By Tamilla Hasanova