Péter Magyar seeks minority rights assurances before backing Ukraine’s EU talks

Incoming Hungarian leader Péter Magyar has called for broader rights for Hungary’s minority community in Ukraine before backing Kyiv’s formal European Union accession talks, according to people familiar with the discussions.

The issue was raised during a meeting in Brussels on April 29 between Magyar and European Council President António Costa, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

EU officials have been urging Magyar to soften Budapest’s opposition to opening formal membership negotiations with Ukraine.

According to the sources, Magyar largely repeated Hungary’s long-standing demands concerning the status of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, particularly over education in the Hungarian language. The conditions closely resemble the 11 points previously put forward by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Hungary has repeatedly criticised Kyiv’s language and minority policies, arguing they restrict the rights of ethnic Hungarians living mainly in western Ukraine. Kyiv says its legislation is intended to strengthen national cohesion while balancing minority protections.

Magyar later described his talks with Costa as “useful and constructive”. However, people briefed on the discussions said the atmosphere was more restrained than during his earlier meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The European Union is seeking to maintain momentum behind Ukraine’s membership bid despite continued resistance from Budapest, which has used its veto power to slow several Ukraine-related decisions since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.