Incoming Hungarian leader Peter Magyar links his support for Ukraine’s EU membership negotiations to the expansion of rights for the Hungarian minority. Magyar discussed these conditions during a recent meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels. This stance indicates that Budapest will maintain pressure on Kyiv despite the recent change in government leadership.
Bloomberg reported that Magyar’s demands mirror the 11 points previously presented by Viktor Orbán’s administration.
These requirements focus on Hungarian-language education and cultural autonomy in the Transcarpathian region. EU officials initially hoped for a more flexible approach from the new government. However, Magyar remains firm on protecting the interests of ethnic Hungarians living abroad.
Background of the Negotiations
Magyar intends to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in June to address these sensitive issues directly. He stated on social media that ethnic Hungarians must regain full linguistic and administrative rights to feel like respected citizens. In response, Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is already addressing all minority-related matters. The Ukrainian President emphasized that no significant obstacles exist to prevent further integration with the European Union.
Budapest is currently trying to secure the release of €10 billion in EU recovery funds. These funds were suspended due to rule-of-law concerns during the previous administration. While Magyar pledges to bring Hungary back into the European mainstream, his policy toward Ukraine remains a point of friction. Many EU capitals want to start formal membership talks with Kyiv before the end of the current term.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Orbán-linked oligarchs prepare to flee Hungary: Magyar demands immediate arrests.
