Viktória Ferenc, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing Hungary’s ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrat (KDNP) alliance, has urged Ukraine to fully reinstate the rights of Transcarpathian Hungarians and other minority groups.
Speaking on the discussions held during the European Parliament’s EU-Ukraine Association Council session on Wednesday, Ferenc emphasized that Ukraine must honor its commitments regarding the rights of ethnic minorities. The talks included Ukraine’s Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olha Stefanishyna.
Ferenc expressed concern over a proposed amendment to Ukraine’s education law, which seeks to establish a predominantly Ukrainian-language environment in schools. She warned that passing this amendment would infringe on human rights and restrict ethnic minorities’ ability to use their native languages.
According to Ferenc, the draft legislation would limit the use of minority languages to classroom instruction only, while mandating the use of Ukrainian in all other school settings, including staff rooms and shared spaces.
She expressed hope that the Ukrainian government and minority communities could work together constructively to restore and protect minority rights throughout the country.
