Ukraine adopts law key to advancing EU accession talks

Ukraine's parliament adopted legislation on Monday that safeguards the rights of national minorities while preserving the Ukrainian language's status—a measure anticipated to resolve a significant hurdle in advancing EU accession talks. Hungary had previously impeded the initiation of EU negotiation clusters due to concerns over Kyiv's treatment of its Hungarian minority.

Despite asserting respect for minority rights, Ukraine engaged in negotiations with Budapest to enact this law, aiming to hasten its EU ambitions. President Volodymyr Zelensky subsequently signed the legislation into law. The legislation ensures equal opportunities for minority language speakers to use their native tongues, which are EU official languages, within Ukraine's educational system.

Hungary's Foreign Minister Anita Orban welcomed the development, stating it is a prerequisite for Hungary to endorse new EU discussions. Prime Minister Peter Magyar expressed optimism, noting the law as a positive indicator for improving relations between the two nations. Despite acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, Magyar believes the leadership of both countries have initiated the necessary steps towards reconciliation.

The issue of the Hungarian-speaking minority in western Ukraine has historically fueled tensions between the neighbors, with Budapest previously blocking Ukraine's EU membership bid following Russia's invasion in February 2022. The EU's enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, hailed the new law as crucial to maintaining momentum in Ukraine's EU integration process, adding that further negotiations clusters are slated for opening in the near future.