The European Union is intensifying diplomatic efforts in Ukraine this week through a high-level charm offensive aimed at resolving tensions between Kyiv and Hungary that threaten Ukraine’s EU accession bid. 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 comes as Hungary hardens its opposition to Ukraine’s membership, citing concerns about minority language rights and potential security and economic risks. The diplomatic friction has escalated recently with mutual expulsions of diplomats, media bans, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán questioning Ukraine’s sovereignty while making his stance a campaign issue ahead of next year’s election.
Ukraine faces significant hurdles in its EU membership aspirations, requiring unanimous approval from all 27 member states while simultaneously navigating complex minority rights issues. Budapest has blocked progress by opposing Kyiv’s move to the next stage of negotiations, with some European officials viewing Hungary’s position as politically motivated. The core dispute centers on Ukraine’s 2017 education law requiring instruction in Ukrainian for students over age 10, with subsequent 2023 adjustments that critics argue remain insufficient. Commissioner Kos has positioned the European Commission as a guarantor for minority rights commitments, urging Ukraine to fully implement its May action plan on minority protections while pressing Hungary to lift its veto.
The EU is pursuing multiple strategies to break the deadlock, including encouraging continued reforms in Ukraine while seeking potential workarounds to Hungary’s opposition. European Council President Antonio Costa has proposed opening cluster negotiations without requiring full unanimity, though this rule change would itself need unanimous support. Despite the challenges, both EU officials and minority representatives express cautious optimism about Ukraine’s European prospects. As Commissioner Kos assured students in Uzhhorod, Ukraine’s EU membership prospects remain „very good,” though the path forward requires careful navigation of minority rights concerns and political obstacles from Budapest.
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Forrás: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/eu-charm-offensive-ukraine-hungary-120432568.html.