German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has appealed to Hungary’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, urging him not to use bilateral disputes as a barrier to Ukraine’s European Union accession process, as reported by Ukrinform. During their high-level meeting, Merz emphasized that the long-standing disagreements regarding the rights of the Hungarian national minority in Ukraine must not undermine the broader European coalition’s support for Kyiv amid ongoing Russian aggression.
Merz stressed that the unity of the European Union remains the single most effective response to Moscow’s imperial ambitions. He pointed out that while Budapest’s desire to address domestic and bilateral concerns is understandable, these issues should be decoupled from the strategic goal of integrating Ukraine into the European community. According to the German Chancellor, the formal opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine, starting from the very first chapter, must proceed without political delays.
“We understand that Budapest initially wants to resolve bilateral issues, such as the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. However, this must not harm European support for Ukraine or hinder the goal of formally opening accession negotiations with Ukraine from the first chapter,” Merz stated. His remarks signal Berlin’s firm stance on maintaining a united front against external threats, prioritizing collective European security over localized diplomatic friction.
In response, Péter Magyar indicated his readiness for constructive dialogue, expressing optimism that the issue of Hungarian minority rights could be resolved within a relatively short timeframe. Magyar also announced his plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the near future to discuss mutual solutions and rebuild trust between the two neighboring nations.
Political analysts at Factage Ukraine suggest that Magyar’s pragmatic approach could mark a significant shift from the obstructionist policies of the past. If Budapest successfully transitions from veto diplomacy to constructive engagement, it will not only accelerate Ukraine’s integration but also strengthen the geopolitical resilience of the entire region. The coming months will show whether this diplomatic rhetoric translates into concrete actions.