On Monday afternoon, at a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Members held an exchange of views with Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos on the European Commission’s work programme. Viktória Ferenc, MEP of Fidesz–KDNP and the member of the Patriots for Europe Group took the floor twice during the meeting, as in the first round the Commissioner for Enlargement ignored and left unanswered her question on serious human rights violations committed by Ukrainian recruitment offices, later citing a lack of time. “As you are aware, in recent years, numerous men in Ukraine – including ethnic Hungarians from Transcarpathia – who are legally exempt from military conscription have reportedly been subjected to violations of their rights. Tragically, a death also occurred in the beginning of 2026.  We are now witnessing yet another violation, as another Transcarpathian Hungarian man entitled to exemption is being held at a local district recruitment centre. In breach of his rights, his phone has been confiscated, and he has not been allowed to leave the building,” MEP stressed in her remarks.

“Unfortunately, Ukraine has been at war for more than four years, bringing with it numerous tragedies. In this context, I would like to draw attention to a violation affecting many Ukrainian citizens, which deserves the European Commission’s attention in its future work,” the MEP began her remarks.

“Six months ago, I addressed a question requiring a written answer to you, calling on the European Commission to pay increased attention to human rights violations in Ukraine, in particular to unlawful measures carried out by recruitment offices in the context of wartime mobilisation,” the Transcarpathian-born MEP reminded the Commissioner for Enlargement.

As no meaningful progress has been made in the matter since then, and as the Commissioner failed to respond in the first round, Viktória Ferenc raised the issue again: “In light of the seriousness of the situation and the growing number of complaints, what immediate steps will you take to address these issues? When can concrete measures be expected? Human lives are at stake, therefore we urge you to take swift and decisive actions.”

In her reply, Marta Kos apologised and stated: “Sorry, I did not forget your question. There was not enough time, Madam Ferenc. So, yes, we are following the human rights situation in Ukraine, and all the cases you have named. But not the last one, 15th of April. I do not know about this. So, we are addressing this issue with the Ukrainian authorities. And they are assuring us that they are handling in accordance with the Ukrainian law.”

“It would be highly desirable to see meaningful progress in this matter, as an increasing number of complaints are being received from citizens. The Commission should finally take on a more active role in curbing the violations taking place in Ukraine. People are already suffering and struggling to cope with everyday life. Therefore, urgent measures are needed to ensure that at least those men who are exempt from military service under the law do not have to live in fear — neither they nor their family members,” the MEP added after her intervention.

21 April 2026, Brussels