In the region of Zakarpattia, Ukraine, a group of students belonging to the ethnic Hungarian minority recently found themselves at the center of a heated dispute between Hungary and Ukraine. This disagreement, focused on language rights and education, has strained diplomatic ties and even jeopardized crucial financial support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia's invasion.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has long accused the Ukrainian government of infringing upon the rights of ethnic Hungarian students to use their native language in education and public administration. Hungary's government has retaliated by blocking crucial European Union funding for Ukraine and threatening to impede Ukraine's path to EU membership.
The roots of this language dispute can be traced back to Ukraine's efforts to reinforce its national identity following the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and the seizure of two regions in eastern Ukraine by Russia-backed rebels. In 2017, a law was passed in Ukraine making Ukrainian the compulsory language of study beyond the fifth grade. This move drew criticism from not only the Hungarian minority but also Romanian and Bulgarian minorities.
However, in December, Ukraine amended its education and language laws to meet the requirements for EU membership, restoring many of the language rights demanded by Budapest. This adjustment was met with relief from the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia, as it ensured their linguistic and cultural preservation for the foreseeable future.
While the legal changes were seen as a positive step by many ethnic Hungarians, the Hungarian government remains unsatisfied. This has become a potential sticking point as EU leaders convene to address Orbán's veto of a 50-billion euro ($54 million) aid package for Ukraine.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó acknowledged the progress made by Ukraine but emphasized that the issue of national minorities is far from resolved. Critics argue that Orbán, often regarded as Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest EU ally, uses the Hungarian minority as an excuse to weaken support for Ukraine and advocate against aid and sanctions against Moscow.
Despite the tensions between Budapest and Kyiv, the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia remains supportive of both Orbán and Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU. Many ethnic Hungarians see themselves as European citizens and hope for a future where their rights are respected within the framework of EU membership.
Hungary's government has provided substantial financial support to the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, aiming to strengthen their identity and ties to Budapest. Additionally, the establishment of the Matthias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) in Berehove, with help from Orbán's government, showcases Hungary's commitment to education and training for the region's future leaders.
At the MCC, Hungarian students receive education in Hungarian and have access to a curriculum designed to supplement their lessons in Ukrainian public schools. The institution aims to foster tolerance and respect among different cultures in the multi-ethnic environment of Zakarpattia.
Recent bilateral meetings between Hungarian and Ukrainian officials suggest a partial thaw in the relations between the two countries. However, Hungary's government remains cautious and calls for greater efforts from both sides before fully backing Ukraine.
The situation serves as a reminder that diplomacy often requires delicate balancing and compromises. While there may be differences, there is also potential for common ground and collaboration. Both Hungary and Ukraine should demonstrate the political will to address the remaining challenges and work towards a mutually beneficial resolution.
