The new Prime Minister of Hungary, Peter Magyar, proposed on Tuesday a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June, aiming to open a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries. This offer comes at a sensitive time, as relations between Hungary and Ukraine had reached their lowest point prior to the elections held on April 12, where Magyar defeated Orban, who had been in power for 16 years.
Magyar, who is seen as a more moderate successor to Orban, confirmed in a social media post that he seeks to hold the meeting in the city of Berehove, which has a Hungarian majority. He noted that the goal of the meeting is to improve the situation of Hungarians in the Transcarpathia region and enable them to remain in their homeland.
Details of the Proposed Meeting
The Transcarpathia region in western Ukraine is home to a significant number of Hungarians, and relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply since 2017 when Ukraine enacted a law mandating the use of the Ukrainian language as the primary language in secondary education. Hungary has viewed this law as depriving tens of thousands of Hungarians of their cultural and linguistic rights.
Magyar stated, "It is time for Ukraine to lift the legal restrictions that have been in place for over a decade, and for Hungarians in Transcarpathia to regain all their cultural, linguistic, and administrative rights." He emphasized that resolving these issues would undoubtedly open a new chapter in Ukrainian-Hungarian relations.
Background & Context
The history of relations between Hungary and Ukraine is complex, with roots dating back to the time when the Transcarpathia region was part of the Kingdom of Hungary until the end of World War I. Since then, the region has undergone drastic changes in borders and sovereignty, leading to ongoing tensions between Hungarians and Ukrainians.
In recent years, Orban used his veto power in the European Union to block financial aid to Ukraine, exacerbating tensions. However, following Magyar's victory, there appears to be a desire to rebuild relations with Ukraine and with Brussels, as the veto was recently lifted, allowing for the approval of a loan of 90 billion euros for Ukraine.
Impact & Consequences
This move by Magyar is seen as a fresh start in Hungarian-Ukrainian relations and could positively impact the situation of Hungarians in Transcarpathia. Additionally, improving relations with Ukraine may help Hungary strengthen its position within the European Union, especially amid the economic and political challenges facing the continent.
On the other hand, Magyar faces significant challenges, as he confirmed that Ukraine cannot be forced to accept a peace agreement that requires it to concede territory. He also noted that Ukraine's accession to the European Union in the next ten years may not be realistic, reflecting his cautious stance on accelerating the accession process.
Regional Significance
The Ukrainian-Hungarian relations are part of the larger picture of relations among European countries, which may influence stability in the region. For the Arab world, any improvement in relations between European countries could open new avenues for economic and political cooperation, particularly in the fields of energy and security.
In conclusion, Magyar's proposal for a meeting with Zelensky represents an important step towards improving relations between Hungary and Ukraine, and it may have positive effects on the situation in the region. Everyone is looking forward to the outcomes of this meeting and what progress it can achieve on outstanding issues.