Zelensky downplays rift as Hungary renews EU accession blockade over minority rights

Budapest's primary demand is for Kyiv to enact additional guarantees for its minority population, in line with an agreement reached over the summer. The Ukrainian parliament is expected to adopt a relevant law, according to Zelensky. Ukraine aims to open at least two more accession clusters before October and complete the remaining two by year-end.

Hungary's current Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, has taken a more accommodating approach to Ukraine's EU aspirations compared to his predecessor, Viktor Orban. Following an agreement on minority rights, Hungary had previously lifted its veto, allowing Ukraine to open its initial accession clusters focused on fundamentals and external relations. However, Magyar has emphasized that Ukraine must fulfill all necessary reforms without shortcuts.

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Vsevolod Chentsov, indicated in early September that progress has been made on minority rights reforms, with a bill being prepared. The exact timeline for the legislation's introduction and parliamentary vote remains uncertain, as the Ukrainian parliament has faced increasing difficulties in passing key reform legislation linked to EU accession and foreign aid.