The European Union is intensifying diplomatic efforts in Ukraine to address tensions surrounding Kyiv’s EU accession bid, particularly focusing on Hungary’s concerns about minority rights. European Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos visited Hungarian and Slovak minority schools in western Ukraine, emphasizing that „there is no enlargement without protection of minorities.” This charm offensive comes as Hungary hardens its opposition to Ukraine’s membership, citing concerns about ethnic Hungarian rights and potential security and economic risks. The situation has escalated recently with diplomatic expulsions, media bans, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban questioning Ukraine’s sovereignty while making his stance a campaign issue ahead of next year’s election.
Ukraine’s path to EU membership faces significant hurdles due to Hungary’s veto power, which requires unanimous backing from all 27 member states. Budapest specifically objects to Ukraine’s 2017 education law requiring Ukrainian-language instruction for students over age 10, despite some 2023 modifications. While Ukraine insists it has met all requirements for beginning negotiations on six policy clusters, Hungarian opposition blocks progress. Some European officials view Hungary’s position as politically motivated, noting that other EU members with minorities in Ukraine haven’t raised similar concerns. The EU is encouraging Ukraine to fully implement its minority rights action plan adopted in May, with Kos promising strict supervision of Kyiv’s commitments.
The EU is exploring potential workarounds to advance Ukraine’s membership process despite Hungarian objections. European Council President Antonio Costa has proposed opening cluster negotiations without requiring unanimity, though this rule change would itself need unanimous approval. Commissioner Kos’s visit serves dual purposes: demonstrating serious engagement with Hungary’s concerns while urging Ukraine to continue reforms. She emphasized that minority communities represent an „enrichment for the European Union” and that Hungary’s specific concerns could be addressed through the minority rights cluster negotiations. As both Ukraine and EU officials express optimism about eventual membership, the immediate challenge remains finding a path forward that either satisfies Hungary’s demands or circumvents its veto while maintaining EU unity.
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Forrás: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/eu-charm-offensive-ukraine-hungary-120432568.html.