Ukraine has committed to fully addressing the educational, linguistic, cultural and political rights of the approximately 100,000 ethnic Hungarians living in Transcarpathia, Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced on Facebook on Wednesday evening.

According to Magyar, the agreement is the result of several weeks of intensive negotiations between Hungarian and Ukrainian experts, with the participation of political organizations representing the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia as well as local churches.

‘It is a great joy that, one day before the Day of National Cohesion, I can announce that the Ukrainian government has undertaken to incorporate the negotiated measures into its legal framework in the near future, allowing our compatriots in Transcarpathia to enjoy significantly broader educational, cultural, linguistic and political rights than before,’ the prime minister said.

Magyar added that Ukraine’s commitments will also be reflected in the action plan it submits to the European Union. If this occurs, Hungary will support the opening of the first accession negotiation cluster in Ukraine’s EU membership process.

At the same time, he stressed that Hungary continues to oppose any fast-tracked accession procedure for Ukraine. ‘If Ukraine succeeds in closing all 33 accession chapters within the next 10 or 15 years, Hungary will hold a legally binding referendum on the question,’ he said.

In a video accompanying the announcement, Magyar described the agreement as a breakthrough that his government achieved in just three weeks after years of unsuccessful efforts by previous administrations. ‘As both the Hungarian government and I have repeatedly made clear, we can only open a new chapter in Hungarian–Ukrainian relations if Ukraine commits itself to fully restoring the educational, linguistic, cultural and political rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia,’ he said.

The prime minister stressed that guarantees for minority rights must also be reflected in the European Union’s expectations towards Ukraine during its accession process.

Among the measures outlined in the agreement, Ukraine has pledged to restore the system of minority-language schools. Hungarian will be permitted not only as a language of instruction but also in all areas of school communication and administration. Schools will be allowed to display Hungarian-language signs, use Hungarian national symbols and sing the Hungarian national anthem during ceremonies.

‘Hungarian will be permitted not only as a language of instruction but also in all areas of school communication and administration’

Students attending Hungarian minority schools will be able to sit graduation and university entrance examinations in Hungarian, including examinations in Hungarian language and literature. The list of subjects taught in Ukrainian can only be expanded with prior parental consent, while Ukraine has also committed to maintaining minority schools even where student numbers are relatively low.

The agreement also covers broader language rights. In settlements where ethnic Hungarians make up more than 10 per cent of the population, Hungarian national symbols may be used freely, and the Hungarian language will be permitted in healthcare settings, sporting events and scientific conferences.

Political activities may also be conducted in Hungarian in these localities, with ballot papers, public notices and informational materials available in the language.

Magyar said the deal would further guarantee the right of the Hungarian minority to preserve its traditions, celebrate national and religious holidays in Hungarian, and establish cultural and educational institutions.

‘One hundred thousand Hungarians are regaining fundamental rights and the hope that they can pass on the culture and identity inherited from their parents and grandparents to future generations,’ he said.

The prime minister noted that Ukraine has committed to enshrining these rights in legislation. In parallel, the European Union has agreed, at Hungary’s request, to include language in its communication with Kyiv stating that Ukraine must align its minority rights action plan with the results of the bilateral negotiations. The EU will also monitor implementation throughout the accession process.

‘In light of this comprehensive agreement, the Hungarian government is asking Ukraine to amend its minority action plan in line with the negotiated commitments. Once this is done, Hungary will support the opening of the first accession negotiation cluster,’ Magyar said.

He argued that this approach would ensure Ukraine fulfils all of its commitments regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority as the accession process progresses.

Reiterating Budapest’s broader position on enlargement, Magyar said no candidate country should receive preferential treatment.

‘Neither Ukraine nor any other country should be granted an accelerated accession procedure. In accordance with the principle of equal treatment, the countries of the Western Balkans must advance on the same basis as Ukraine,’ he said.

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