Hungary warns Ukraine over minority rights

Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, has reiterated Budapest’s firm stance on Ukraine’s EU accession, linking it to the restoration of Hungarian minority rights in Transcarpathia.

In a post on X, Szijjártó revealed his recent conversation with his Austruan coubteroart, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, emphasizing that despite promises from Kyiv, the rights of the Hungarian minority—curtailed in 2015—have yet to be reinstated.

“Until that changes, there can be no progress on EU accession, as Kyiv’s minority policy remains unacceptable and clearly contradicts common European rules and principles,” Szijjártó wrote.

He also mentioned that he and Austrian FM discussed Budapest Pride, underlining a stark contrast in views. “Our views couldn’t be more different. The Hungarian government’s priority is protecting children,” he added, reflecting the government’s conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues.