The final declaration was signed by 81 of the 93 countries participating, including Hungary.Continue reading
In a significant development for the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia, Ukraine, all conditions set forth by Hungary have been incorporated into the framework for EU accession negotiations with Ukraine.
This was announced by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, who stated: “we now have a paper from Brussels stating that Ukraine must give back the rights taken away from the Hungarians of Transcarpathia in recent years.”
The issue of minority rights has been a contentious one, with some EU Member States initially reluctant to make it a precondition for Ukraine’s progress. However, Hungary remained firm, as Minister Szijjártó emphasized:
…our position all along has been that respect for the rights of national minorities must be a precondition for any further progress.
Some Member States did not want to hear about this condition, but we have made it clear that we insist on the restoration of the rights of minorities to preserve their national identity, to use their mother tongue, and to learn in their mother tongue.”
The agreement requires Ukraine to develop a minority action plan involving representatives of the Hungarian community, addressing issues such as minority languages and education. Additionally, Ukraine has committed to resolving the problems outlined in 11 points by the Hungarian government and respecting the 1991 Basic Treaty.
The European Commission will monitor Ukraine’s fulfillment of these commitments, which are essential for advancing in the accession process.
Barna Pál Zsigmond, a Hungarian official, underscored the importance of this achievement, stating, “The government’s position has been consistent throughout, we will not give an inch in defending the interests of the Hungarian minority, for us this is non-negotiable. Thanks to the election results achieved by Fidesz-KDNP, the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia is represented in the EP, and we will continue to fight to ensure that the commitments made are kept. Every Hungarian is responsible for every Hungarian.”
This development is seen as a significant diplomatic success for Hungary and a major step towards regaining the rights lost by the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia in recent years. It also highlights the importance of minority rights in the EU accession process, ensuring that the concerns of minority groups are addressed and their identities protected.
Via MTI; Featured Image: Pixabay