Members of the European Parliament held an exchange of views with High Representative Kaja Kallas on the European Commission’s work programme at Tuesday’s meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Viktória Ferenc, MEP for Fidesz–KDNP and the member of the Patriots for Europe group, reminded the High Representative: “Last December, I drew your attention to the case of a Transcarpathian Hungarian man in Ukraine, József Sebestyén, who became a victim of inhumane treatment by recruitment offices. But you ignored my question, even though the victim’s sibling was present in the room. In January, another case occurred. Zsolt Rebán, who had official medical exemption from military service due to a severe heart condition, was nevertheless taken away, and he died during training. As you can see, this is where EU indifference can lead.”

“Therefore, I would once again remind you that the European Commission has a duty to consistently hold Ukraine — as a country seeking EU membership — accountable for respecting fundamental human rights. In doing so, the Union not only remains true to its own values, but can also save human lives,” added Viktória Ferenc.

The Fidesz MEP of Transcarpathian origin once again asked whether the High Representative is following the human rights abuses in Ukraine and whether she is taking steps to put an end to these abuses. However, her question once again remained unanswered; only an evasive response was given.

“We are now in the fifth year of the war in Ukraine, with many losses, which are made even worse by the fact that people are not only dying on the battlefield, but also during unlawful conscription in the hinterland. The indifference of the European Commission leaders is unacceptable; this attitude only deepens the crisis, increases the number of victims, while the population living in Ukraine, including the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, is becoming increasingly vulnerable,” the MEP said, commenting on the meeting.

18 March 2026, Brussels