Hungary eases EU accession blockade for Ukraine pending minority rights law

Hungary has signaled its willingness to lift obstacles to Ukraine’s European Union accession process. Budapest has ceased blocking technical preparations for the opening of two additional negotiation clusters, which focus on the internal market and competitiveness.

However, Hungary’s definitive consent is contingent upon the Ukrainian parliament passing legislation that strengthens the rights of national minorities, specifically the Hungarian minority in the Zakarpattia region. This includes enhanced educational and cultural rights. The Ukrainian Verhovna Rada is scheduled to vote on this legislation on Monday.

If the law is passed, Hungary is expected to allow the opening of the second and third negotiation clusters during the General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg the following day. This development is seen as a significant step toward the EU's goal of opening all remaining negotiation clusters with Ukraine by the end of the year.