The way out of Ukraine's deadlock with Magyar

Live updates

1. 47m ago

   Hungary and Ukraine Reach Deal on Minority Rights and EU Integration

   Hungary and Ukraine have reached an agreement regarding the rights of Ukraine's roughly 80,000-strong Hungarian minority, ending a standoff that stalled Kyiv's European Union integration. A new bill on education in the languages of national minorities has been introduced in the Verkhovna Rada and welcomed by Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar. Budapest previously blocked screening results needed to open Clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine. Ukrainian officials expect all clusters in EU accession negotiations to be opened by the end of the year following the resolution.

   Why it matters

   Ukrainian officials initially sought a fresh start with Budapest following the political defeat of Viktor Orban. However, Hungary's new prime minister, Peter Magyar, maintained a hard line and stalled Kyiv's EU bid until Ukraine enacted prior agreements concerning minority communities. The resolution of this dispute removes a major diplomatic hurdle for Ukraine's broader European accession path.

   What is confirmed

   • A bill on education in the languages of national minorities has been introduced in the Verkhovna Rada.
   • Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar welcomed the registration of the bill on education in minority languages.
   • Hungary previously stalled Kyiv's EU bid and blocked approval of screening results needed to open Clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the EU formally unblocks negotiations and opens Clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine.
   • The parliamentary passage and implementation details of the minority education bill in Ukraine.
   Sources used for this update (22)

   1. kyivindependent.com — The way out of Ukraine's deadlock with Magyar
   2. The Kyiv Independent — The way out of Ukraine's deadlock with Magyar
   3. Bloomberg.com — Hungary-Ukraine Ties Remain Fraught Months After Orban’s Ouster
   4. Українська правда — Hungary blocks approval of screening results needed to open Clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine
   5. Hungary Today — Ukrainian Fuel Storage Facility in Hungary – Who Gets to Decide?
   6. news.liga.net — A bill agreed with Hungary has been submitted to the Rada. Source revealed what the five points are about
   7. ua.news — On September 29, the EU will make another attempt to unblock negotiations with Ukraine following Hungary's veto
   8. Українська правда — Ukrainian foreign minister outlines agreements with Hungary: education law changes to be considered
   9. Межа. Новини України. — Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Expects Special Session on EU Laws and Minority Rights
   10. Українська правда — Hungarian PM welcomes registration of bill on education in minority languages
   11. Цензор.НЕТ — We expect all clusters in EU accession negotiations to be opened by end of year, - Deputy Prime Minister Chentsov
   12. Reuters — Hungary welcomes Ukraine's bill strengthening Hungarian minority rights
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