At the meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, MEPs held an exchange of views with representatives of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada on the situation in Ukraine and the country’s accession to the European Union. Viktória Ferenc, MEP for Fidesz–KDNP and the member of the Patriots for Europe group, pointed out: “It has been nearly two years since the European Union launched accession talks with Ukraine. At that time, clear and binding conditions were set: among others, concerning the rights of national minorities, in line with Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, the Copenhagen criteria, and the Constitution of Ukraine. Ukraine pledged to fulfil its commitments in this area when the accession talks began, yet to this day no tangible progress has been made, particularly when it comes to clearly identifiable and enforceable legal acts. The Hungarian community in Transcarpathia has not yet fully regained the scope of rights it previously enjoyed.”

“Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s former Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, also confirmed that Ukraine would fully address and implement the 11 points raised, particularly by Hungary, concerning the protection of national minorities,” Viktória Ferenc stated.

The MEP of Transcarpathian origin pointed out that, after nearly two years, it is justified to assess where Ukraine currently stands on the protection of national minorities. In this context, Viktória Ferenc addressed questions to representatives of the Verkhovna Rada regarding how the right to national cultural autonomy is being guaranteed and how the free use of national symbols is ensured in practice. She also sought answers on how the issue of parliamentary representation for national minorities is currently being handled in Ukraine.

“These are, of course, only a few elements among the 11 points and they do not yet cover important areas such as the language of education or broader human rights considerations. I sincerely hope that these commitments will soon be reflected in clear, tangible and measurable progress on the ground,” the MEP concluded.

“Several representatives of the Verkhovna Rada took the floor during the meeting, and it became evident from their remarks that there is no real political will to fully restore the rights of national minorities — despite being aware that national minorities — including the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia — are also enduring the tragedies of war and are sacrificing their lives in the fighting for the country,” Viktória Ferenc stated after the session.”

06 May 2026, Brussels