A breakthrough has occurred in relations between Budapest and Kyiv, capable of altering the geopolitical map of Europe. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the achievement of a comprehensive agreement with Ukraine regarding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia. This event is critical for Ukraine's future: it was Hungary's position that determined the opening of the first cluster of negotiations for the country's accession to the European Union.

Historic Agreement Reached in Three Weeks

As Magyar reported on his Facebook page, Kyiv and Budapest managed to reach an agreement in three weeks, something the previous Hungarian leadership under Viktor Orbán failed to achieve over a decade. The negotiations involved experts from both countries, representatives of Hungarian political organizations, and religious figures.

The essence of the agreement is that Ukraine has committed to amending legislation to grant the Hungarian community expanded rights in the fields of education, culture, language, and political representation. Magyar stated directly: if Kyiv fulfills these obligations, Hungary will consent to launch negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

New Rules for Schools of National Minorities

One of the key points of the agreement was the reform of the education system. Ukraine agreed to restore and maintain schools for national minorities, even if the number of students in them is small. This decision addresses one of the main concerns of the Hungarian side.

The Hungarian language will receive official status in the school environment. It can now be used not only in the educational process but also in documentation and internal communication of educational institutions. New freedoms have been introduced for students:

  • Permission to use Hungarian symbols and the national flag.
  • The possibility of performing the Hungarian anthem during ceremonial events.
  • Issuance of school completion certificates and diplomas in the Hungarian language.
  • Conducting graduation and entrance exams in Hungarian, as well as a separate exam in Hungarian language and literature.

An important condition was the preservation of balance: the list of mandatory subjects in the Ukrainian language will only be expanded with the consent of the students' parents.

Language Rights in Public Life

The agreements extend far beyond school walls. In settlements where the Hungarian community constitutes more than 10% of the population, the free use of Hungarian symbols is permitted. Language rights cover a wide range of public life:

  • Provision of medical services in the Hungarian language.
  • Conducting sporting events and scientific conferences.
  • Political activity, including election campaigning.
  • Printing of ballot papers and official informational materials in the Hungarian language.

Representatives of the minority have been guaranteed the right to preserve traditions, hold national holidays, and create their own cultural and educational institutions.

EU Accession Conditions: Referendum and Timelines

Despite lifting the veto on minority rights, Péter Magyar made it clear that Hungary does not support Ukraine's accelerated accession to the European Union. Budapest retains the right to make the final decision.

Magyar outlined strict conditions: if Ukraine manages to close all 33 negotiation chapters required for membership, a legally binding referendum on supporting this step will be held in Hungary. The Prime Minister noted that this process could take between 10 and 15 years.

Reaction Against the Backdrop of Veto Lifting

Events are developing rapidly. On the same day, Magyar's government lifted the veto on the decision regarding the European Peace Facility, which is intended to compensate EU countries for weapons transferred to Ukraine. This decision created a favorable backdrop for lifting the blockade on minority rights.

In Kyiv, there are already calls to direct part of the unblocked funds to the purchase of Patriot air defense systems and missiles for them. Previously, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the EU not to allow the blocking of Ukraine's EU integration due to bilateral disputes with Hungary. Now that Budapest has given the green light on minority rights, the path to the first cluster of negotiations appears to be cleared.