Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has indicated that a deal with Ukraine on the rights of the ethnic Hungarian minority is imminent, raising hopes that Budapest will lift its long-standing veto on Kyiv's European Union accession talks. Speaking in Berlin after a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Magyar said he was "very optimistic" about the negotiations and that a resolution at the technical level could come "as soon as this week."
"The negotiations are progressing encouragingly," Magyar told reporters. "I am ready to meet with Ukraine's president at the beginning of next week, if we manage to agree on these fundamental human rights."
Diplomatic Momentum Builds
Five diplomats briefed on the matter told Euronews that conditions for a deal have gained momentum, potentially paving the way for Hungary to lift its two-year veto and launch formal negotiations on either 15 or 16 June. The decision would end the impasse for Ukraine and simultaneously advance Moldova's membership bid, as the two candidacies are widely viewed as a package in EU circles.
A draft document seen by Euronews, preparing conclusions for the upcoming EU leaders' summit on 18 June, references Ukraine's bid to join the European Union. If endorsed by all 27 member states, the text would mark a return to unanimity on Ukraine following the departure of Viktor Orbán. The draft statement, dated 1 June, reads: "The European Union remains committed, including as part of Ukraine's path to EU accession, to supporting its repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the summit, though it is unclear whether he will participate in person or via conference. Ukrainian sources told Euronews that Zelenskyy would only consider travelling to Brussels if a deal was within reach.
EU Funding and Minority Rights
Adding to the positive momentum, Magyar last Friday secured the release of €16.4 billion in EU funding following a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Although he rejected suggestions that the funding is connected to Hungary lifting its veto on accession, Magyar said at the press conference that he was waiting for "guarantees" from Ukraine on minority rights, indicating that constitutional changes might not be necessary.
Lifting Hungary's veto is a prerequisite for opening the first accession cluster, which covers the fundamentals of EU membership — including the rule of law, financial controls, and human rights. European Council President António Costa has been heavily involved in the talks, according to people familiar with the matter. Marta Kos, the Commissioner responsible for EU enlargement, is also confident that a deadline to open the first cluster of negotiations can be met in June, to be followed by the five remaining clusters in July.
"We are making every effort to achieve a breakthrough, and we are focused on moving both countries (Ukraine and Moldova) forward," a senior EU diplomat told Euronews, cautioning that it was still too early to predict the final wording of the leaders' conclusions.
While EU officials and diplomats are hopeful of a breakthrough, they admit that the matter will ultimately have to be decided in a meeting between Magyar and Zelenskyy. However, significant technical work still needs to be completed and approved by member states, which can only kick off once Budapest lifts its veto. The Council would need to initiate the process by sending a letter to Ukraine and Moldova, which would then respond with their positions for European ambassadors to assess. "Everybody needs to move fast," a senior EU diplomat added.
For more context on Hungary's recent diplomatic shifts, see Hungary's Péter Magyar Heads to Berlin and Paris to Cement EU Reintegration and Hungary Unlocks €16.4 Billion in EU Funds After Magyar's Brussels Breakthrough.
