Ukraine's EU Bid Advances as Minority Rights Law Passes
Ukrainian lawmakers passed legislation on Monday protecting national minorities' rights, clearing a major obstacle to Ukraine's EU membership. The next day, the European Union opened two additional negotiation clusters with Ukraine and Moldova, a critical step in Kyiv's long accession process. The Hungarian-speaking minority in western Ukraine had long strained ties with Budapest, and Hungary had blocked Ukraine's bid, which was submitted days after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. European Council President Antonio Costa welcomed the EU member states' decision to open the new negotiation chapters.
Key facts
- Ukrainian lawmakers passed a law protecting national minorities' rights on Monday.
- The law removes a major hurdle in Ukraine's EU membership bid.
- The EU opened two further negotiation clusters with Ukraine and Moldova on Tuesday.
- Hungary had blocked Ukraine's EU bid over the Hungarian-speaking minority in western Ukraine.
- Ukraine officially submitted its EU membership bid days after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
- European Council President Antonio Costa welcomed the EU member states' decision.
- The negotiation clusters are an essential step in Kyiv's long path to join the bloc.
- The status of the Hungarian-speaking minority had caused tensions with Budapest.
Entities
Institutions
- European Union
- European Council
Locations
- Ukraine
- Kyiv
- Hungary
- Budapest
- Moldova