Ukraine moves closer to EU accession after Hungary deal

Ukraine has moved closer to joining the European Union after Hungary agreed to drop its veto on Kyiv's accession negotiations, pending implementation of a deal protecting the rights of ethnic Hungarians in western Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the agreement on X, stating that over 100,000 ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine's Transcarpathia region would see improvements in educational, linguistic, cultural and political rights. The deal, reached within three weeks of negotiations, requires Ukraine to amend its minority action plan submitted to the EU, incorporating the agreed measures. Magyar emphasized that the agreement achieved in weeks what former Prime Minister Viktor Orban failed to secure over a decade in office. Hungary had previously blocked the opening of the first cluster of EU accession talks due to unresolved minority rights issues. The EU confirmed it will now proceed with advancing Ukraine and Moldova to the next phase of membership negotiations, focusing on rule of law, judicial reform and public administration standards. Marta Kos, the EU's enlargement chief, stated the agreement clears the way for member states to begin work on opening the first negotiation cluster. Despite this progress, Hungary maintains opposition to fast-tracking Ukraine's accession, with Magyar insisting Kyiv must complete all 33 accession chapters over 10 to 15 years and secure approval through a legally binding referendum in Hungary before membership can proceed.

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