New tensions in the Hungarian-Ukrainian dialogue

Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Office, claims Ukraine authorities have adopted "a semi-Fascist" education law.

Responding to a question about elections in Ukraine at a press conference held on Thursday in Budapest, Gulyás said the "Ukraine currently has a government that tramples on minority rights, one that has had 'a semi-Fascist' education law adopted."

The official also said he sincerely hopes that the Hungarian government "will be able to get through to the new administration [following elections] because they have been unable to communicate with the present one," according to the Hungarian government's website.

Gulyás has added that Budapest still expects Ukraine will amend the legislation.

The relations between Ukraine and Hungary have deteriorated after the Ukrainian Parliament adopted a new law on education. Hungary is blocking the holding of meetings of the Ukraine-NATO Commission, alleging a violation of the rights of Hungarians living in Ukraine, over the provision of the education law stipulating that the language of instruction in educational facilities be the state language (Ukrainian).

According to the conclusion of the Venice Commission, promulgated on December 8, 2017, the Ukrainian authorities are recommended to balance the position of the language article. On February 14, 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft law (No. 8046), which provides for the extension until 2023 of the transition period for the implementation of the language clause of the Law on Education. Now this draft law is under consideration by parliamentary committees.