Prime Minister Peter Magyar has signalled an imminent deal with Kyiv to resolve the dispute over the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, raising prospects for an agreement that could finally unlock EU accession talks after years of political deadlock.
Speaking to reporters in Berlin following a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Magyar said he was “very optimistic” about the discussions and pointed to a resolution on a technical level “as soon as this week”. The issue is politically delicate for both sides.
“The negotiations are progressing encouragingly,” he said. “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.”
His comments come after 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-long veto and launch formal negotiations on either 15 or 16 June.
The decision carries significant weight: it would end the impasse for Ukraine, signalling a new chapter in diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Budapest, and simultaneously advance Moldova’s membership bid — with the two candidacies widely viewed as a package in EU circles.
A document seen by Euronews, drafting conclusions for the upcoming EU leaders’ summit, references Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union, signalling that a breakthrough is possible before the 27 member states convene on 18 June.
If endorsed by all heads of state and government, the text would mark a return to unanimity on Ukraine following the departure of Viktor Orbán.
“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,” the draft statement, dated 1 June and seen by Euronews, reads.
The draft also notes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the summit, though it does not specify 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.
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.
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.
“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.
With assistance from Jorge Liboreiro and Sasha Vakulina