The diplomatic deadlock that has stalled Ukraine's European integration for years has finally begun to move. During technical consultations held last week, Kyiv and Budapest reached a historic agreement: the parties have agreed on 10 out of the 11 demands put forward by Hungary.
This decision has become a decisive factor for Budapest. Despite one unresolved point remaining, Hungary has officially agreed to open the first cluster of negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the European Union. This event paves the way for an intergovernmental conference, which, according to sources, is scheduled for June 15 in Luxembourg.
The issue of national minorities: from conflict to dialogue
The only point that could not be resolved during the last meeting remains the issue of representation of national minorities in the Verkhovna Rada. The parties made a pragmatic decision to set this issue aside from the current agreements to avoid blocking the entire process.
However, the topic has not disappeared. Ukraine and Hungary have agreed to turn to the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for clarifications regarding the practical implementation of this mechanism. The issue may return to the agenda within the framework of the first cluster of negotiations, which addresses fundamental human rights.
As a basis for further work, Ukraine has confirmed its commitment to the Action Plan on National Minorities, approved last year. Kyiv intends to fulfill these agreements within the current year.
New challenges: Bulgaria and educational rights
While Ukraine celebrates its success with Hungary, new diplomatic tasks are appearing on the horizon. According to diplomatic sources, Bulgaria also plans to put forward its own demands concerning the rights of national minorities.
The essence of Sofia's claims lies in ensuring the educational rights of the Bulgarian minority in Ukraine. As one EU diplomat explained, the Bulgarian diaspora abroad predominantly speaks Russian; however, Sofia insists on the development and support of the Bulgarian language in the educational process.
EU position and the path to the first cluster
On Wednesday, ambassadors of EU member states must agree on a single negotiating position for the first cluster. The document will define the list of interim and final requirements that Ukraine must fulfill.
The experience of other European Union countries may serve as a benchmark for resolving quota issues. In several states, such as Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia, the electoral system already provides for special quotas for representatives of national minorities.
European institutions are noting new progress in negotiations. Brussels is considering an optimistic scenario in which it is possible to open two clusters of negotiations at once, which would significantly accelerate Ukraine's accession process to the EU.