Hungary may join C8 in future – FM

Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán has stated that Hungary and Ukraine have resolved diplomatic misunderstandings over the Carpathian Eight, according to an interview with Index. During the UN week, Orbán met with Ukraine's Foreign Minister multiple times to discuss and settle these misunderstandings. While the public learned about these events through social media, behind-the-scenes negotiations took place between Hungary and Ukraine, including daily contact between Orbán and Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister, responsible for a bill on Hungarian minority rights in Transcarpathia.

Orbán hinted that Hungary may become a member of the Carpathian Eight in the future, as they are open to participating in any regional and bilateral cooperation that benefits Hungary. However, Prime Minister Péter Magyar has previously stated that Hungary is not a member of the Ukraine-initiated Carpathian Eight format, which aims to strengthen cooperation among Carpathian region countries. Magyar declined an invitation from Ukraine to join the format, citing valid reasons, but did not elaborate on these reasons.

Magyar also stated that Hungary would not allow a Ukrainian oil storage facility on its territory as long as the Orban government is in power. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed surprise at Magyar's confrontational statements, emphasizing that the Carpathian Integration Initiative is meant to benefit the entire region through welfare, interconnectivity, and mutually beneficial projects.

Sybiha also noted that Hungary's refusal to participate in the Carpathian Eight leaves Ukraine puzzled and reiterated Ukraine's willingness to develop relations with Hungary. The first summit of the Carpathian Eight took place on September 21.