The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is threatening to veto the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s European Union accession. The government’s objection to Ukraine’s EU integration is based on concerns about the „violation of the rights of the Hungarian minority,” particularly the country’s recent language law mandating that minority groups, including the Hungarian minority, receive at least 70% of their education in the Ukrainian language.
The „eurointegration” draft law No. 9610 on national minorities was passed by the Ukrainian Parliament and signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Nov. 3. Hungary’s stance is that as long as this law remains in place, there will be no discussions about Ukraine’s integration into the EU. However, an increasing number of Hungarians are expressing dissatisfaction with Orban and his foreign policy decisions. A survey conducted by the Publicus Institute revealed that over half of all Hungarians disapprove of Orban’s recent meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in China.
As the European Union prepares to present a report on Ukraine’s progress toward EU membership, reports suggest that the EU is likely to approve the start of negotiations for Ukraine’s accession to the bloc.
CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE NEWS
Discontent Grows in Hungary as Orban Threatens to Veto Ukraine Accession
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