Ukraine and Hungary have agreed on key points to protect the language rights of national minorities in the Zakarpattia region. The Hungarian language will be given official status in government agencies, educational institutions and election materials in communities with a significant Hungarian population. The changes will affect signage, documents and political life in the region.
- Ukraine and Hungary agreed on 11 key points on language rights in Zakarpattia.
- In communities with more than 10% Hungarians, official communication in Hungarian is allowed.
- Place names and signage will be duplicated in Ukrainian and Hungarian.
- Educational documents and examination materials will be issued in bilingual versions.
- Ballots and campaigning in Zakarpattia will be printed in two languages.
Main provisions of the agreement between Ukraine and Hungary on language rights in Transcarpathia
Ukraine and Hungary have officially agreed on 11 key points that regulate Rights of the Hungarian national minority in the Zakarpattia region. The main criterion for applying the new rules will be the percentage of the Hungarian population in certain communities.
In communities where Hungarians make up more than 10% of the population, citizens will have the right to address local authorities in Hungarian. Local officials are required to speak Hungarian to communicate with residents. The names of streets, squares and official signs on the buildings of government agencies and utilities will be duplicated in Ukrainian and Hungarian.
Educational changes: bilingualism in schools and documents
The use of the Hungarian language in the educational process will be significantly expanded in schools with national minorities. Graduation documents - diplomas, certificates, as well as part of the exam materials - will be issued in bilingual versions, which will help preserve cultural and linguistic identity.
Language rights in the electoral process
During the local elections in Zakarpattia, ballot papers, official voting rules and candidates' campaign materials will be printed in two languages. This will ensure equal access to information for Hungarian-speaking voters and expand their political rights.
National protection of the rights of national minorities
The agreement provides for mandatory consultations with official representatives of national minorities during the preparation of any draft laws that may affect their rights. This innovation guarantees that the interests of minorities are taken into account in state policy.
