Hungarian Foreign Minister discusses ongoing rights violations in Ukraine with Austrian colleague
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has expressed his concerns about the ongoing violations of the rights of the ethnic Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, Ukraine. In a meeting with his new Austrian counterpart, Szijjártó discussed this issue, as well as Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union.
Despite repeated promises, the Ukrainian government has failed to restore the rights of the Hungarian community that were stripped away in 2015. Szijjártó called this situation “totally unacceptable” and against European values. He praised Beate Meinl-Reisinger for her support in addressing this issue but stated that Ukraine’s EU accession talks cannot progress until the rights of the Hungarian community are respected.
In addition to the ethnic Hungarian community’s rights, Szijjártó and his Austrian counterpart also discussed Pride marches. They found themselves at odds on the issue, with Szijjártó emphasizing that protecting children is a top priority in Hungary.
Szijjártó made it clear that Hungary’s actions are guided by the needs and expectations of the Hungarian people, rather than those of other governments. As the situation in Ukraine remains unresolved, any advancement in the country’s EU accession talks is off the table.
Overall, Szijjártó’s discussions with his Austrian counterpart highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Hungarian community in Ukraine and the importance of upholding European values in the region.
