Head of Ukraine's EU negotiating group: Ukraine will fulfil Hungary's 11 demands regarding national minorities

Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the head of Ukraine’s delegation in negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, has said that Ukraine was prepared to fulfil Hungary’s 11 demands regarding the rights of national minorities in Ukraine.

Stefanishyna said during the first Intergovernmental Conference for Ukraine’s EU Accession that Ukraine has "repeatedly and persistently" reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining good relations with its neighbours, particularly in matters related to the protection of the rights of national minorities.

"As of now, we are committed to resolving and, on this basis, fully implementing the 11 issues raised, in particular, by Hungary and aimed at strengthening the protection of the rights of national minorities, and to continuing bilateral consultations with Hungary on this issue," Stefanishyna said.

She added that Ukraine is ready to take further steps to protect the rights of national minorities "agreed during the dialogue and on the basis of relevant agreements with Hungary, in good faith and as a contribution to mutual understanding, trust and respect".

"We expect the same contribution to further mutual understanding, trust and respect from our neighbouring partners," Stefanishyna said.

In January, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó presented Ukraine with 11 demands to guarantee the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

Szijjártó later said that these demands were included in the negotiations framework for Ukraine’s accession to the EU, which was finalised on 21 June.