We Cannot Settle for Half-Measures in Restoring the Rights of National Minorities

Speaking at the European Parliament’s plenary session on Monday evening, Viktória Ferenc, MEP of Fidesz–KDNP and member of the Patriots for Europe Group, addressed Ukraine’s recently adopted legislative amendment restoring the educational rights of national minorities: “It is welcome news for national minorities living in Ukraine that last week they regained some of the rights that had been systematically taken away from them since 2017. But let us not forget: it took nine long years to achieve this. Will we now have to wait several more years for the full implementation of the 11-point agreement included in the EU accession negotiating framework? Five points remain unresolved, including the right to use minority languages in dealings with public authorities and the political representation of national minorities.”

“This is why cautious optimism, further legislative action, the practical implementation of commitments, and effective monitoring of their fulfilment are needed. If, as Brussels plans, all negotiating clusters with Ukraine are opened before the end of this year, what can guarantee that minority rights will be fully restored and effectively enforced without further delay?” asked the MEP of Transcarpathian origin.

The MEP emphasised that the EU enlargement process is founded on the principle of merit-based accession, which must be based on equal conditions and consistent scrutiny for all candidate countries. No exception can be made for Ukraine: compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, including the full restoration and effective implementation of the rights of national minorities, is an indispensable prerequisite for progress in the accession process.