A neighbour discovered anew The Czech Republic, and ’s relations with

Jakub Groszkowski, Tadeusz Iwański, Andrzej Sadecki Cooperation: Tomasz Dąborowski WARSAW AUGUST 2017

A neighbour discovered anew The Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary’s relations with Ukraine

Jakub Groszkowski, Tadeusz Iwański, Andrzej Sadecki Cooperation: Tomasz Dąborowski © Copyright by Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia / Centre for Eastern Studies

Content editor Mateusz Gniazdowski

Editor Halina Kowalczyk

Co-operation Anna Łabuszewska, Katarzyna Kazimierska

TRANSLATION Jim Todd

Graphic design Para-buch

PHOTOGRAPH ON COVER sevenMaps7, Shutterstock.com

DTP GroupMedia

Publisher Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia Centre for Eastern Studies ul. Koszykowa 6a, Warsaw, Phone + 48 /22/ 525 80 00 Fax: + 48 /22/ 525 80 40 osw.waw.pl

ISBN 978-83-65827-10-4 Contents

Executive summary /5

I. Czech Republic’s policy towards Ukraine /10 1. in the Czech Republic /12 2. Energy and the economy /13 3. Czech support for Ukraine /15

II. Slovakia’s policy towards Ukraine /16 1. The economy and energy /18

III. Hungary’s policy towards Ukraine /22 1. Ukraine in the shadow of Hungarian-Russian relations /22 2. Hungary on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict /24 3. Areas of cooperation with Ukraine /26 4. Hungary’s policy towards the Hungarian minorities in Ukraine /28

IV. Ukraine’s policy towards the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary /32 • • • Ex e after the development Eastern countries’ EU’s through been ic bership. the as Major Support In plies plies reverse war lations of and for Thanks states. their partners so-called Eastern their aid. humanitarian offering form process, and plementation ratified of politicians. EU of other participation the with and cutiv contacts the Ukraine Poland) the Ukraine. Budapest Group’s EU’s supported to did eastern one their immediately rapidly eastern Visegrad success Its eastern Ukraine. with Europe, flows, the to Partnership, for not This the e neighbourhood of in DCFTA) activity summary accession have higher-priority the with on the further the the Association change V4+ Ukraine policy In neighbourhood, growing to aid of partner, the thus in reverse flagship policies Group the European V4 re-examine as this enabled Ukraine This the format, for between the includes EU’s well have after process playing gained activity this Deep way, to was a have countries relationship energy Polish-Swedish agenda. the flows including as areas of become Agreement its gas hierarchy, policy have has of aspirations supporting the has and the more annual Ukraine EU relations traditionally annexation a of great would their supplies of begun from key V4 next cooperation. risen, Czech visa in been Comprehensive The the and involved towards momentum 2004, has importance role eastern energy meetings be its between Visegrad liberalisation Czech to and revived, those between although to and with Republic, from of contributed those their the in Western initiative lobby stated Ukraine of the remained ensuring in the the cooperation, of neighbourhood. Republic, Western Crimea Russia. the Slovakia active states’ specific EU. between the after Group’s the their more states Visegrad the when it that West Free Slovakia neighbours, Eastern At has supported and V4 EU for the participation to commitment aspirations (April-November one the The the actively in Balkans, of forms Russia Slovakia Trade to led states activity. and other keeping and the Ukraine launch the Eastern security same the of Group Russian-Ukrainian supporting , Partnership, and foreign Hungary the Ukraine shadow of Their Agreement Ukraine countries halted and by for time, assistance Kyiv in has The main and Hungary, the (V4), the to and EU and 2009 of Ukraine in to diplomat EU ministers V4 for Hungary gas question other gas has Poland’s of quickly, offering shaping support (as goals the mainly the Prague via South- states, mem in 2014). of years those often sup sup well (the also im the the the re re for V4 of is ------

5 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 6 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 • • • market. energy EU the country’s with the integration supporting thus ing Group ongoing from Visegrad Nord V4 port) of 2016. half first the Partnership tions more ences Cooperation Ukraine dential, Ukraine The been cooperation States’ meetings the at goes grad of Hungary. and Republic, Slovakia Poland, Czech the lows between riod. Slovakia of and from and these the reinforcing supports energy inclusion Visegrad scholarships, 2016 to states, Ukrainian Ukraine Poland’s of in Stream able the cautious International between is support Ukrainians). activities the preparations the prime involved has has and Ukraine Ukrainians Group Czech have to efficiency V4 composition but in the been countries within stop 2 repeatedly Hungary, group has of V4 these people-to-people in pipeline, ministerial specific them for offered also civil transit states Republic, Ukrainian partners is in their the which also all and Ukraine’s the Visegrad transferring is the countries The support and in for received servants biggest its the been (nearly have the sectoral V4 and criticism of their opportunities Visegrad which of the projects represents how held purchases main gas Civil to Poland, the and countries the to soldiers implementation joined the non-Visegrad it Fund reactions integration to meetings via a half some have V4 to would is ministerial IVF’s areas. Servants’ format implement total contacts experience reform financed of gradually gain Group Battlegroup Ukraine; (IVF), Slovakia of the been 6% Russia, of extent (who biggest of the of bypass One experience Russian not criticism for of to €4.5 in states Central process which ready between funding with the Mobility the were by strengthening effect beneficiary the for the only reforms levels. decreasing. although to and of million beneficiary Ukraine, the IVF’s Ukrainian-Russian which Ukraine example, has the this to Czech V4+ gas is responsible in to of Europe. Hungary. of Fund accept funded assigned On through Ukraine Programme, helped EU, total Ukraine. project, plans this, (November express to formula in operated in Republic, each the although of are but in the Also, budget the stronger the for of the by In to the ways energy alleviate aimed also all occasion Between form study the to and example, construct contributions leaders for joint recent the One programmes at the relationship those in the resistance of in have 2015). to the due which air the the of Visegrad Visegrad example wording market, not increas declara conflict. visits Eastern this discuss grants differ trans years, presi of to states EU these Vise 2005 been only was The the the the pe al in to - - - - - ­ - -

• • Ukraine. in minority Hungarian the to unfavourable been had critical Czech Hungary possible tion trasts to initial The from government there concluded implementation Minsk. agreements in the of the process and the to with have aggression opportunities the cerning wards and litical Kyiv, Fico in Russia, been ritorial ernment which played One The in (the memories stabilise the reaction V4 EU, of talks challenge Slovakia crisis. prime has Prime declared Russia, while openly is conflict’ with forum the scepticism President the Ukraine member by integrity none of a the Ukraine with on in strong have held the causes governments the Because towards ministers the Minister the Kyiv claiming to the V4 in of of because of undermining on Russia, V4+Ukraine for themselves to the Kremlin’s in is avoided the approach states Ukraine. situation the and the states one their belief Miloš during and taking hold the lies of of the Kremlin’s activities states of EU Ukraine. Bratislava dissension Russia hand Robert the “V4+” on the in of without effectiveness their have eastern towards regular that Zeman Council. making the of place the Slovakia the sovereignty In actions governments in of in declared in and the is the wish also formats the the the the gas differences Fico’s other the of favour However, policy the in policy. and cooperation Czech meetings are V4+Eastern Russia. within West the foreign crisis case Middle effectiveness too In declared region Ukraine, to in and domestic negative hand Budapest unequivocally accordance Yushchenko/Tymoshenko maintain his and direct in Ukraine. in of should of Republic, of The of Hungary, the the 2014 Among Ukraine. of since full minister have Slovakia, Ukraine. East credibility between that 2009. with the their behaviour over Visegrad inviolability criticism with Partnership disputes experience support contributed become towards the chosen or an as Czech In of the In Poland’s with Slovakia which full get good ‘American-Russian the beginning Moscow, An Slovakia, Lubomír the Although Hungary, the this pro-Russian, Ukrainian a of Republic, support Group for more the Czech to important in of and EU the handle economic individual the the scepticism block of the the partners of the formats, and position to new, sanctions statements EU the V4’s involved it Zaorálek, borders, Prime some overcoming in president) of this Czech Kremlin government will Hungary for on their does ‘orange’ the its Slovakia government. pro-Western team, actions relations which role was the the V4 policies policy be agreed in thanks war, stemmed Minister Republic not renewal in the against leaders the unable migra geopo Minsk who linked is which for of talks gov have have have they con con also and ter to the the V4, its by as in to of is ------

7 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 8 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 • • • of rights. enforceability the and cy, stability undertake last countries tionally tial for individual governmental countries of development eration & come ers rial tal economic and For president more are tries as -area to of cooperation. for further prospects the Relations In The much public, Kyiv. government assist actively to vak Andrej Hungary Central increasing a recent gain committees business in Kyiv, of precondition level, governments 25 reliable economic have attractive from NATO influence, little Slovakia years, Kiska, with new been cooperation years, and of with crisis have of Europe been states. a an companies importance and Central gradual and supplier and Russia. markets, the of of their the effective became has commissions turnover the regularly for than and economic looking in Ukraine primary governments but the political for region. Exports of prime has criticised Russia. economic V4 exports Hungary is Europe the EU the economic that For with of so still states hard. particularly in fight (especially for development energy for Czech ministers this far is with importance. of However, been cooperation, connection cooperation from the losing For their much ways Ukraine. to and for Russia been against Trade are cooperation reason, have (both more Russia. this recovery Republic, Moscow meeting economic resources, the Ukraine not own out. to lower rather attached of the purpose, for between clear halt powerful Central right- corruption, a The Slovakia politicians’ Meanwhile of economies, with This In priority between its US, such economic compared in caused the the moderate, Slovakia is governments the in aggression cooperation. of have Ukraine Germany and and approach, that the great 2014 president as European decline improving meetings the East states, and in business as left-wing) been the economic Ukraine by and Czech the activity in but importance Ukraine’s cooperation a they and to Hungary and both authorities the market the in and perceived organised president and their improve their as of Hungary of of However, countries see mutual a Republic, sanctions this face forums observed in France) and return these Russia intergovernmen called to in problems economic an collapse Kyiv which foreign encourage and the the situation of to opportunity between transparen as three of in investment at on the see the to and and to Czech the has countries an to Slovakia, key Kyiv Slovakia ministe over and is formats the discuss has policy. policy Russia Russia armed essen of Czech in inter tradi coun much coop play will Slo has Re the the the the the the hit ------

• state. of the integrity ritorial this at ernment, Transcarpathian by For of Ukraine gas to and political operation, of panied Kyiv taken Czech Since conflict terests using experts region. the the eral of 2009. relations knowledge the natural the the supplies V4 subject cooperation. both appointed the the highest much question Republic, by primarily within same In with who that contacts. Visegrad revolution countries which messages turn, gas. and with is serious to are the reason, Russia about often political the the so Slovakia new of Ukraine’s Slovakia the was main interested This region. as Budapest’s the Bratislava EU Group EU. presented the about strive in action ambassadors Czech in a Ukraine already Visegrad approach and useful Ukraine interlocutors and At the political guarantees as Although and the the to NATO. bilateral Republic, to Donbas diplomatic in a is policy remain need intensify platform seriously forum same Hungary. has in Central seen in group is and the On 2014, to partly not to and relations towards Kyiv time, on in Ukrainian the economic Ukraine’s there to activate the the regained remains level Kyiv Europe, for this the their help compromised the It capitals related has other key however, was strengthening is new matter deep as towards the in a political with maintained bilateral transit lack processes only an gas the hand, media lobbying the and authorities Hungarian to of financial ally; Hungary a supplies of main are those trust there at the lack Hungary’s countries relevant it cooperation during as the relations. Berlin in is resulting in a within platform of countries, for is a questions regional less turn threat crisis. in restrained the the minority a from are Ukrainian perception the and Kyiv interested topics countries Slovak for of dominated initiatives, Ukraine In to the gas Kyiv Brussels. 2017 low with for have or Russian the the accom related for in bilat West, crisis their level tone gov case sees that ter the not the co in in in of of ------

9 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 10 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 of the regularly also sian that of within has cooperation President EU. keyplayers the other in and of Germany that with position linked is public efforts by the economy. he by region’s are other ern January Prague of Russia’s peninsula. of the anniversary seizure third the deputy nexation Islamic this On brought Ukraine lic’ Two I. Nikita the state has some to c Cze the government cohesion being undermined neighbourhood context, propaganda been trends Russia

hand, obtain sanctions to was accepted the from one began fundamentalism. have to 2016 security, politicians by (KSČM) discourage Khrushchev of For cited maintained, Miloš adopted Czech-Russian a h Republ limits

can supporting is Prague hand, Crimea mistake. which information of the Czech PM raised the not to by the be the and Zeman in SPD the on Bohuslav be and Czech including of a Russian Prague by

discerned Kyiv is EU is after communists in threat, development the was Russia protests more the democratic favours

independent went Zeman trying the politicians to the and at reform question government has of EU’s transfer unlawful, the least Freedom about economic The ic sees co-ruling intensely Sobotka, favouring media. to NATO, from just

the been to Czech has a ’s pol from consensus. in Crimea Czech

multi-faceted at minimise the there, the a the risk transition destabilising called visited of the Crimea of from actively natural A including of the & Republic war but sanctions cooperation ‘crimes the Czech-Russian Czech position Czech interested president is of war. Direct level the to and ic Ukrainian Ukraine the added trying priority mass participate the in

the government. y towa In to ally These pursuing of has government’s taking eastern Social Communist of the so-called practice, Democracy

with joined losses dialogue the close migration and the the that of to been has Ukrainian in in a by statements ministers the failed contribute situation Democratic Ukrainian regard embassy the place foreign

Ukraine to ensuring that in acknowledged the economic Ukraine in involved a r West that this ‘Donetsk his situation with policy the He

EU. ds U ds the state there, party Party to approach to opinion is means put policy commemorations Soviet

in The war in Central responsible Russia; in Russia; and a by that as to in army’. of in cooperation the strong Ukraine. forward Party (SPD), k and Prague, of People’s Czech the his

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well for is NATO to Czech head east Rus only why

- Re and the has has an are the the In In as of of - - - -

tions, eration national Ukraine, egy ditional disagreements underexploited Ukraine was launched lar perience diplomacy annual of German by argued by A war. Ukrainian-Russian the towards ment not with culture), ral dominated TOP ered hensible Bilateral minority. Ukrainian representatives ofincludes the Republic ruling years. ence compared significant Czech entrepreneurs ambitions cooperation by been of from 09, strategic an around

have maintaining President From coalition. Czech presidency with that active as rules. Russian in approach law, was a but also policy the political Russia during single to well felt dealing gradually by their it Russia. the for that but Czech also proportion comes issues, to export, contacts In was promoter obliged caused as in by towards many Czech-Ukrainian expand Zeman Much former avoided are Prague, zone of the regarded perspective, who the to

other cooperation that with of Czech necessary government Ukraine, from Back first sanctions. and the changed Christian Czech years as of by to have activity

at they the and foreign government the any Ukraine of the of and interest. remain boost Visegrad a the non-governmental in business. the as market the Czech post-Soviet

been Czech-Ukrainian were autumn presidency some loudest EU steps foremost and various to foreign one since the in between confidence Another Eastern Democrats minister ensure immediately and at

active and an was support visit of politicians This that politicians Russian Group a with In

supporters then, the inefficient 2014, NATO”. departments lower approaches ministry Russia characterised response the at could approach states that on Partnership important of priority the the Karel potential in of PM opposition mainly in (KDU-ČSL) market the the level. July Ukrainian presidential have “Russia organisations, Czech The was Central on and tend criticised political Sobotka

Eastern and EU level. Schwarzenberg of to 2015, the areas Since is views taken negatively Ukraine Prague’s businessmen under (internal to has factor

the Council which costly characterised Republic by left, does regard programme, right-wing There Europe thanks who contacts criticised in always Russian the European interests more the of by or the and

in the instrument; not had gaining the assumption Maidan are the violation prime whose in is the Ukraine affairs, affected influence readily long-term after also and feel to sporadic been 2009. Czech one region’s hitherto have and re-evaluation aggression who which circles the in markets ministerial in threatened quite which Ukraine work independ part a there the a economy, his EU not have series as its of compre particu In priority govern

he secto Czech Czech of of a inter states gath of party coop strat sanc 2012, often often dealt been

tra has also was the the the ex for in of is ------

11 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 12 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 Republic’s policy. Eastern maintaining EU from Kyiv lic been Republic gians). was forefront ians, economic The 1. level. In of Ukraine. case ments the activity. ly the have the about but the usually ploit. outside people Republic. Czech work to the in hiring send agencies the restrictive U economic connection since and migration labour employment Czech last provisions in krainians in the Czech Republic Czech the in krainians a during Ukrainians Ukraine which putting integrated In The strong 42,000 for 2008 employees During the V4 two state practice, Under 2008, in (3.2% of last crisis, Turkey Republic market Czech summits EU. other foreigners numbers the years migrants it supporter contacts pressure that meeting Ukrainian (among crisis, with almost in governing the In the the Yanukovych with the of to however, legislation. April in addition, EU from after it only negotiations has such the number work influence terms Czech Prague has in countries, about other Czech ceased at who of on had of studying sustained, 2017, which outside permits ) workers been this the workers in the the the of positive many Republic come the countries) the 110,000 was of according society EU’s In highest government type the issuing of government residence rising Ukraine Ukrainian law Czech addition, the between the strongly a issued at and abolition if to of visa (the record took loophole Czech prevents they experiences the EU. the economic (according had without again. 23,000 level work Republic liberalisation onto most to place participates companies by Czech On of have conducted low the Eurostat), the opposed universities. in employees of to and foreigners the the permits which Ukrainian the numerous October Czech Ukrainians during Czech visas unemployment allow EU any been downturn Republic; Czech Czech in to either other with and major Czech to the Polish would registered referred employment an migration Czech a for play to President any its 2013. Turkey fell liberal labour government from hand, bend formation influx citizens foreign The group Ukrainians community problems. idea data conducting official an in companies by be entrepreneurs For Czech non-EU or from the important Czech lower market. half, migration rate in that of from in of police, violate Zeman’s this nationals are more the Czech agencies data Poland foreigners of employment in government the although than reason, allow 2016); It law also (and of countries, context the the economic often Until based refers is require the workers Ukrain Repub visit role policy, allows which main in Czech Czech in Geor from from have such very they the the the the ex on on in in to to of ------The Czech Against 2. The the work correct permits. the of lacking charges employers. workers sued maintaining Stringent degree. alimited only to market labour ation on the of only the have The foreign workers.ment problems about with having ed Ukraine Visapoint in As consular labour Visapoint more organisations, taining in ard well electoral strong the E the the corruption a by nergy and the economy the and nergy Czech Czech government practice Czech Czech vast result, cover as within often inspections the form entrepreneurs strong market. anti-immigrant more visas, the are into campaign majority workers rules Ministry information Republic. Republic system, a Republic policy been the Ukrainians of background maximum the also in the patrols the influence which or a the decisive By Ukraine concerning uniform framework expelled that counterfeiting transit employed country of of in a of Czech enabling in by of issues decision On limiting companies often in Ukraine, these to importing recent the system. Polish of influence mood working municipalities the employ of is of of residence 800 from government more involves Interior, to the work Russian the people in of the other of months use the companies employment workers in the the country’s and Due other the the employment Ukrainian regarding documents). quickly. permits foreign Czech in influx the on so-called hand, Czech have permit, minister breaking Czech has gas which the to the services Central before its per is which created via society, Czech shape this of Polish workers trade Republic However, to to gradually overload Republic month, has their citizens foreign agencies. Ukraine claims and foreigners bring general Milan the policy of Under European have of Republic of been unions, visas foreigners a assigns which employment law companies the legal will which as system, and employees workers Chovanec, this by through complained is increasing pressure is ignoring elections migration (for Some representatives for also the of maintain from way inefficiency, has which them who simplified states, can example minor short-term migration associated and have of also to is Polish which non-EU have improve jobs these from the of there in have circumvent in pre-selected they the policy the to importance inclined heated foreigners, October low part needs by through Polish the system companies. question help employers’ number Ukrainian are the convinced have countries work, engaging police wages of with is the govern a sent up stand wield Polish in result of some visas been 2017. situ can the the the the the ob is on as in in to to of of ------13 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 14 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 eration currently tion ple, Czech nexation Economic cooperation. technical and tific meeting operation economy, cal began resentatives and had 2013. from have ferred been European of Republic war, Net4Gas in of ginning Russian to ka After Ukraine. it via will the thorities extensive export 42% the critical did contacts. Czech owns intergovernmental formats good transport thanks implementing followed remained Despite two government production via implementation sign were on gas in plans to have exported of gas looking business deposits cooperation whose connections the has government. countries years terms the five a approach Crimea to put it to In have letter in the Czech been up been had to be previous Russian years growing conjunction June active. on of increase collapse priority (March redistributed by for of of highlighted held goods from to contacts collapse hold. further and Nord avoiding Republic. to any 2017, the ways gas of limit the with with the These an of gas with Secure meetings the year, the exports in Kodiaq Over further of Stream to 2016), market gas the the levels intergovernmental to European its Western to Ukraine trade its boosted aggravation (2014-2015), Ukraine with even heads Russia reverse any imports include although the Czech In Nord time, economic neighbours, gas the in but model this they declarations. from 2, Slovakia. in criticism during in on EU Central of supplies potential namely prior however, Ukraine, Stream is this Ukraine, by Republic Eastern the worth respect, scientific, government Commission bypassing from MND, of were the in the this contacts very of Czech-Ukrainian negative was to the its Europe Czech fighting These resumption Germany of especially an the are around project at is which Ukrainian Europe it limited benefits Yanukovych a and the Prague the commission and expected In still before is one-off Russian-Ukrainian guaranteed technical Ukraine. activities Czech with mainly fact, Republic. Škoda trends Nord without of Ukraine referring in about cooperates €800 2; nine importance returned and remains Germany. eastern Czech for in the the gesture Stream of transmission rise factory. Auto, in those fact, to million, and Central PM a business the having Kremlin; on trade Russian-Ukrainian are government organised the In increase for third in to government economic, Bohuslav which economic 2016, Ukraine Czech Russia. part they to companies gas Nord the two with project, which The Economic flows the for to and less an to country war, of and countries’ will the for transport Czech the its in coopera Gazprom Stream be Republic operator increase the the Eastern The than has аrе led March ability exam Sobot which trans which politi scien Czech Czech and coop allow logic rep first that an the not au be co by in is 2 ------

burden. sion), administrative reduce to the them would allow which Brisk production nies in development figures The 3. mutual increased fallen riod Ukrainian supported schools supporting is includes as 2015 on In this. front. the it million nearly spent €12 has also coordinating Czech support forCzech U some support been Czech are very 2014-16. and by for and trade. years, seeking aid more working active its the for the education, Ukrainian by Republic facilities colleges for As commitments in independent Over it machining Czech first than donors the still Ukraine in opportunities for in Ukraine; months Ukrainian 40% the development evacuated represents was in Ukraine government including universities

in past Russia (in the kraine even conducting centre media. of 2016 in field one four 2017 for health to before this from (most only helping it of manufacturer expand of 15 years, aid, amounted in money Czech show the country. education. years the 1.8% managing system an recently the the largest, the the war the active non-governmental into of Maidan, Czechs to was government total first value The help zone. and to the the The around about tísni v Člověk EU policy Trimill Czech increase value for Russian Ukrainians are of The car list programmes, and internal Czech-Russian €6 focusing of Czech lighting of exports. of €6 in have in billion). Czech transformation in projects market recent Kyiv million organisations exports (People refugees, embassy taken on on priorities manufacturer with Czech Although both and for years support in in this trade to in reforms, building Ukraine helping sides the compa in as Russia need), it deci Kyiv also well and has has the are pe for of - - -

15 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 16 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 Ukraine. in of explosive materials destruction for the Fund NATOthe Trust eas; 2 vakia the Kremlin’s improving the actions EU policy ate cooperation interests. vakia security. Kremlin’s Unlike Slovak-Ukraine flowreverse border). on of the gas Its At 460,000 of around nority country. of people south the live the in respect eignty”. accept very cising sectoral This straint supporting its maintain The to maintain II. gas Slovakia the pro-Russian full sanctions of activation EC Slovak during S position good and pipeline the “will lovak Russia of and any beginning support in which for the This policies. the During co-ruling Ukraine the Slovak stability position its policy political international political the government via the political, never the government, with is Slovak against derives, for stable reactions of project; assist one Ukraine’s United NATO transformation rhetoric for i the its a towards support At a’s pol Russia. recognise visit of also in of there, Smer-SD relations Ukrainian aggression relations transit government, the Ukraine Vojany– Russia, this the the military among summit States, Bratislava comes to to has same permanent is law, territory. Russian-Ukrainian regard; Kyiv for particularly President Since Ukraine the partly of two but the party, ic and other with and Ukraine and among from oil time, in conflict, or in ambitions towards y towa of on autumn illegal main Warsaw, and this and May close not on strike economic dictated Kyiv, the The things, the both which (and the priorities Andrej the others. consenting natural attitude Kyiv is 2015, objectives Ukrainian to other pipeline), energy cabinet annexation above Ukraine, paying Slovak at states’ one also Georgia) 2014 avoid to Fico Slovakia the both from by r the interference join hand, Kiska The hand, gradually war, gas has ds U ds the all in Kremlin’s leads. (see cooperation of opposition government somewhat Slovak a perceive the Slovak rapprochement to Fico’s and the in at with PM humanitarian resulted economy as expectations Slovakia has it committed the below has of the the fact k The has a EU, is Robert Crimea, threat president cabinet revision resulted regard r extending careful highest context foreign openly that interests been double-track it a and in for less to from as i with and has Ukrainian exerted ne Fico the a to a a is accompanied attention to itself has Hungarian and to policy, threat of of possible description pressure in described of the committed avoided international Nord crisis; the said between its has maintain boundaries. (such the to criticism Ukraine: invested will to reform economic Kremlin. other great declared that Stream Eastern elector to namely leading and sover as to never levels criti their from Slo Slo mi the the the ar re its by in to to to of of of ------

not and 2016, tries, it. while obstacles with from and same turn vakia government however, pressed sia, is vak as tion can Bratislava for Slovakia. would to Slovak areas. of these each tive in Russia, US sanctions]”. is means logue talks tions The Slovakia in conditional the It an have about visits be challenge is position harmful of of the has Russia, the with the against has time, and has advisor formally West gradually be solved the for Ukraine, politicians while increasing been interest guaranteed West. it has transformed Slovak and [Russia], limited called the is business bringing 2 his is he 1st looking or Statements maintains including taking remains acknowledged without Russia

instrument. putting lifting on century. difficulties to for on Ukrainian does NATO, The maintaining including for foreign replacing of President the implementation Slovak-Ukrainian the have and Slovak annoyance all with an care for political not of the regularly other number pressure Moscow. in parties. and into end in The that meets sanctions, ways become conceal by Russia minister possibility to line the counterparts, in government Slovakia, the to has former its a Poroshenko, ensure members hand, Russia that relations frozen them, strategic to discussions the people with of old The that, main emphasised repeated on Despite develop without strongly areas his conflict, the Russian the Miroslav but Slovakia prime of should possibility that the “each conflict on of relations opinion contributors on together the Minsk of larger rather between areas in alternative wants the EU a it the cooperation Fico the any and by number minister which Minsk will involved within country not and military one consensus to black Lajčák that would the of Slovak major agreements states has that the about be to have is that limit that with supply hand, the Moscow Slovak treated develop the agreements). none indeed former the of list sanctions to Mikuláš signs (to the be in their argued obstacles. a have EU avoiding equipment its government Hungary pro-Russian criticism with the readily EU Germany, [i.e. and a work Russia) (the of Russian-Ukrainian economic and very prime as big economic rapid declared liberal could on been prime the are transit Moscow, those an that lifting Dzurinda Russia. on treaties sanctions. bad available are a world’s enemy the At of and energy However, implementation minister. conducting situation put the with the covered the minister reforms the the turn an contacts have gestures, of only that of other cooperation pressure modernisa despite oil question The EC ineffective same EU’s or with hardware sanctions problems has of supplies, alterna sensible long and the a and In Slovak events where by threat In at at coun acted sanc Iveta with time Rus June war dia Slo Slo gas; the the the the the ex his on is ------

17 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 18 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 of border. the from 100 much as as kilometres extend to area its increasing high stvo ticular industrial authorities ergy the both From 2015.place in However, announced. been far so no for date has anew meeting which financial data Trade 1. Radičová at €800 to close million). estimated are transit gas eastern Slovakia vakia’s the a 2016, in of Ukraine government even in received change of occasion the on the out concerns co-chair volvement to the main ing The cooperation. of bilateral aclimate building in helped greatly politicians’ proposal T Support this work made president head by development he economy energy and gas hopes from carriers countries; sporadic. the with itself the step, total importance Slovakia pipeline (along of of with peripheral was to benefits perspective and 2016). Community of Reform, in to Ukraine the have a work revive it is trade regional group to the and become involved scientific would far regard Slovak-Ukrainian with In these Western in This of also launch and in the 2015, from (the turnover. Slovak-Ukrainian cooperation Slovak-Ukrainian for whose of generates and Leszek Kyiv, be play taken figure government. the authorities of advisers to that Slovak in the of & substantial; the worth Slovakia, of under-funded Europe. energy southern Democracies. a technical a task their visa-free security country’s project key countries’ Balcerowicz) the At is only transmission overshadowed simplifying to with the is role opportunity media security; intergovernmental on This the to Ukraine 0.6% for Regardless political strand cooperation, of both travel, provide in at Ukraine. economic finance cooperation Ukrainian infrastructure economy the energy €4 the regions, activity of Former of sides billion, Slovakia’s decentralisation it system of but the is the level, substantive operator’s also the to minister; The primarily by supply of of they cooperation, local Group finance ministers increase which in the prime the Slovakia’s Druzhba the has border brings it attempts of Ukraine represents maintain last trade commission border transporting results border. also is from of is minister, annual not eventually minister seen meeting Strategic regions the scientific the why been (according discussed oil the of only are trade traffic although achieved and In country as attractiveness that pipeline Ukraine the aided only revenues East. admittedly both a important have of for Slovakia and Ivan with state Consultants irrespective Slovak Russian regime support which he economic, 3% cases resuming by The to these was invested by tangible became Mikloš,

run carried Russia, of Slovak the of these Brat from local took par also this Slo and has en be via re for for in of ------

gas per line quence and at ligations sible of kia Slova with cooperation that means mode of This operation. intermittent their A Commission. European tion of the shipper (Gazprom Slovak the agreed ble Cooperation above period degree purchase to The West. the from of gas imports on domesticproduction and in that ‘large’ significantly 2015 gas pute The Slovakia’s crisis. Kyiv the with cooperation during that the compromise Ukraine’s Ukraine this gas has Veľké pipeline. year, supplies. consequence theme 1.4 in

the Ukraine was (which from time all in gas autumn bcm field that deliveries government of of become codes). reverse

more with their 2006 from of Kapušany mutual the does lost a reverse that arose talks respectively), Russian as lasted legal between connectors It This in is Russian-Ukrainian

Gazprom any common when than the is an solution not 2014. brought Currently a the an supplies of in key in on to point is distrust. element crisis illusions more flow the provide unreliable the last Ukraine’s particularly Slovakia; argued gas the border the the This Slovakia element low

common opposition to of the in three on form supply with and ‘large’ than of be connector and view, this the November level of 2009, This the Ukraine point), that governments that activated the Bratislava’s of Hungary entire a and they years, of question partner and dispute reverse of Slovak-Ukrainian year) of results due good the interest important Ukraine’s activating Ukrainian when Russian dispute. trust

on and to Ukraine cannot enables with gas activation to

but the around the 2015. relations at saw because has the flow between and Slovakia of from imports

it plans of other, the pro-Russian of the gas reverse On guarantee still Currently policy country’s been the Slovakia in in a side’s Poland Slovakia will deliveries the Bratstvo the full ‘large’ to the the the

to with lack of remains of it Ukraine Bratislava in

suffered muted, continue idea construct negative to one transit the was border. area lack context gas the 2016 have of Russia ensure reverse and existing stability and Ukraine of Vojany–Uzhhorod hand, progress policy. confirmed supplies transit negative at of of (11 activating charged was although Ukraine lower information, the energy Ukraine control severely Ukraine of with experiences and

bcm). would the the PM Kyiv’s flow interrupted, level For of contractual gas is

Kyiv Nord from from capacities security the experience relying Fico’s supply has The with in its over to ensure was pipeline it of together as a demanded halt participa was the

maintain has so-called Stream part, 14.6 widened Slovakia Slovakia reverses a cabinet impos i.e. transit a conse due of to solely belief a pipe large of been bcm sta dis and (6.1 the the the the ob (at its in to of

2 ------

19 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 20 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 energy Ukraine. operator training Visegrad portant the a Ukrainian Ukrainian sessment Naftohaz An Europe. Central 2in Nord from Stream gas it redistribute to easier make and Ukraine station, pleted. directions to to the gas based thorities Nord The vakia). position route and question vak those avoiding against (Slovakia’s lava to clear minimise Hungary pursue pipeline EU and important transit government the Slovak-Ukrainian Stream Western for on At signal operators’ efficiency. plans which Czech role Kyiv, over on courses confrontation have of fragile of Within Group Russian & of of the investments energy Eustream pipeline gas Ukrtranshaz, of Ukraine’s the and opportunities via gas in 2 its the to but beginning confirming companies has gradually Republic; Russian will sharing step transit. perspectives losses ship the in transfer foundations. Moldova). and the past designed also cooperation gas been options Since 2014, allow network, Baltic Russian framework in and Eustream year the to pipelines. after opposition which with constructed. gas its At creating the Slovakia the March ceased of which Ukraine’s gas which transmission and the Sea. might the experiences for is to For 2017 via the gas Russia EU the for gas transmission This which share was Slovak the can cooperation same At this are Bratstvo implementation will public pipeline are 2016, Eustream (it of Slovakia the probable to be has the the Italian is to be a the negotiating runs Ukrtranshaz) the reason, in cooperating time, regarding its letter apply The because was transit the considered company’s same organised Slovakia’s perspective this criticism V4 West of system experiences, evolution from has pipeline, Nord operator signed reforming it is result of Road after decided in context, from time not can of also intent while branches Bratislava, the Russia the Russian operators intensively Stream Nord only Show be a of with of the West of in energy interest as playing have development number of Snam which privatisation avoiding to Nord read these from of the April as an Slovak the the the primarily Stream build via Gazprom. project, to it strengthening adopted running adaptation project project gas as in has Slovak regulatory Eustream, electricity Stream politicians on East talks. from in Ukraine an 2017. is of sounding with contrast a via operator, their Ukraine cooperating mainly the increasingly fifth 2 conferences to initiated both has to The The and strong 2, Slovakia in government’s from Both Russia be of 2, main common build however, compressor to the to been the has Slovak increased, letter Ukraine’s market use countries to in authority criticised (and out Slovakia Ukraine the the in stances Slovak- Kyiv, area Bratis supply future by on begun a of order com what after with Slo new new was Slo and im the the the au as in of is is ------

(UCTE). networks transmission of electricity system pean ready Transmission posed as (ÚRSO) part to that, of offer has a in two-year shared its the Systems expertise context its twinning experience Operators of in the synchronising cooperation project for in implementing Electricity with Slovakia’s between Ukraine. (ENTSO-E) the the network Bratislava Third European and Energy with Ukraine, has Network the also Package Euro pro it of is - - 21 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 22 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 minority. garian it Ukraine ship). porting is months ian framework ergy and Ukrainian egy states velopment velopment is in Hungary’s Ukraine. in changes for the gary in cooling bán’s The bán, bán framework governments Hungarian-Russian Russian Russia For 1. Hungary’s eration III. has multilateral focusing Hungary’s U Ukraine. years minority kraine in the shadow of the in H kraine towards intensity there treats

and who meetings primarily Hungary’s combined) above H after Ukraine between of raw is the Hungarian unga treats has policies not relations of as relations; policies the of of of Hungary materials the the economy, in largest the relations a its in of the the been formats high with efforts matter Transcarpathia, been priority, within Revolution Hungarian-Russian Budapest Russia own country, Hungary EU’s Budapest strategy European r towards towards on a Putin, cooperation between y’s pol diplomacy neighbour targeting since progressive primarily of economic policy the (mainly for with as of the as its however, well priority; list focusing which the have then, and announced a Ukraine diplomacy framework has of Ukraine Ukraine. Neighbourhood towards key of the Hungarian Dignity, as its the has ic Russia, (it not priorities sees cooperation given has which however, have the economic funding development ungarian-Russian relations West y towa is EU is and prioritised instead largely devised the deepened stirrings contacts the larger are the Due taken there. and relations in of serious which numbers the and region Ukrainian-Russian the shaped eastern 2010 of economy, at primarily the political come issue on and than place Russia Hungarian a the Budapest Policy with activities has r comprehensive V4). the of the the entitled tensions during of of region ds U ds political with political down around by the of the neighbourhood at sectoral country’s been Russia. government Hungary fate and relations as both least the two to other Western Moscow is an the of inhabited to k ‘Opening of the development the arose demonstrated Hungarian also 150,000. main annually the left- r partner actions support obstacle Ukraine’s cooperation Although rule six a important relationship Eastern supports Visegrad involved conflict have i and in Balkans, political ne factors: neighbouring high of of Hungarian- to by taken (within within Viktor In from Viktor right-wing since stabilised, in the minority the Hungar Partner Ukraine priority. the aid, and the the in Group. role in in and coop strat with Hun East’. Hun 2013. with sup first and de Or Or Or en the the the de of it ------

the nuclear sought ergy close Donald Orbán’sholds slogan). was election main In a several investment the tunity ure Since that would to a cluded tion ‘business power gary The government hoping market garian Germany (c. 2016 in €1.4ports billion each). does Ukraine, the of nomic intergovernmental Hungarian tender) key a political 2013-2014 loan sanctions planned deepening Ukrainian-Russian of between the is so policy, relations part the serve contacts the for exports being in

plant to Trump’s the decades. that (as block will sanctions to as despite minimise January and Russian-Ukrainian Russian of South and entrust it usual’ government creation from the but is Turkish as last careful Gazprom in Hungary ’s competes are Austria, is trying of with were an with business rise Kremlin Hungary, also until scheduled the Hungary’s lifted a Stream in 2014. alternative policy gas its Russian the economic Russia to about to relations Russia Stream of with similar at re-election 2047. construction and twice to which maintain power and braking with The a conflict least has contacts will will be project, supply a 40% a Russia. on the for The Hungarian loan (for political view transmitted flagship gas other invested lowered importance to appreciate are with be in to commission, gas the the economic less long-term effect maintain example erupted pipeline. the the its of reversed in with route consistently to Budapest basis crises An European Russia. period €10 intensive to than 2014 USA transit obtaining and Hungarian-Russian on its agreement Rosatom, much the authorities billion. for of these economic at in gas (reducing crisis financial by (in from has of its nature Orbán’s and 2018-2026, As the Russian the 2013). Russian and through both has holding current more prices 2006 companies, political strengthened it priorities active gestures that Turkey in immediate height waits The and been the of to markets Russia In government cooperation dependency effort and decided regions) there energy this for expand construction they this regular Ukraine. gas position in intensive for contacts and looking of via Hungary, from 2009), investment Russia), of has that way plan to such economic in will project, for the political the the prices (without Budapest’s the Hungary than developing blown meetings Budapest moment, on the to be Hungary’s After for as Balkans with repayment (in Hungary country’s is on Paks development hoping finance the a developing those which it of Hungarian for 2016 an Russia return was over. has coopera benefits. Moscow, will the the Russian holding nuclear house oppor which of hopes Hun when Hun from from with con as new fail lead eco was the The has en the ex for to of it ------

23 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 24 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 In not is theirs’. ‘a that in ticipating war particularly they ernment intervention annexation Due 2. in be tions to struggling able Hungary Russia Hungary ty demned emphasised bassador Other bán cles. and costs extension responsible the to have Despite ‘automatically’ Council. level EU at of the the taken peatedly This Russian H Ukraine the and the Kyiv, granted expressions met ungary on Russian- the ungary has to is to Both have to pointed to war unfriendly first in territorial the for its the official the the Aleksei narrative and criticised challenged contrast sources, has implemented in the of focused new close its with in for autonomy Hungarian few European its of for annexation Ukraine on EU was in called Hungarian the out aggression Crimea four distance its support authorities whether Hungary months sanctions ‘the aggression. Miller, relationship Donbas, integrity seen that to gestures have aggression. on on the months for Fidesz’s Ukraine the in of the the Parliament, or in economy, fact a as a dedicated the from of for after Ukraine. discussion Ernő rationality soldiers series the government in essence position towards Ukrainian-Russian an Crimea on avoiding in included of the head (arguing that 1956. In earlier war Russia, the action crisis’, Kyiv. the Ukraine, with Keskeny, Although September sovereignty U of decisions of calling Russian-Ukrainian from krainian conflict krainian in The outbreak This very and it actions of Orbán Georgia, Gazprom, In on Russia, any line; of Syria. ‘civil is aimed the that Prime the Hungarian May and has sanctions met their the a little it direct it the Hungary nomination back Russian-American Hungarian has it called war’ expressed “a and the 2014, on Hungarian If 2014, with needed at of Minister from of which implementation, shot chief space they Hungary however extending conflict in media destabilising the Ukraine, gestures mention or for three an 2008 during at in ‘fratricidal media, the voted Ukrainian-Russian have architect to the to he extremely the the support minority linked conflict. in Orbán the fill beginning Orbán is days minority compared European opposed suspended Hungarian foot”. discussed which 2014 of rhetoric for the popular the its particularly Maidan Russian after the to campaign has a own conflict. of as sharply for sanctions war’ Since Although state and the critical in were the imposition Hungary’s holding openly should the similar President gas Council Hungary in Ukraine, to protests, these ruling gas in stressed minority spring aggression. Hungarian which sovereign Fidesz the unfavour reserves). reference criticised They pro-gov reverses reaction conflict, for be and will it Russia topics, Soviet to party level, con elec 2016 par was am and and cir has Or use the the the re be to ------deterioration riod. ian Group, sure Ukraine the with of few partners an tious Press 1989 the that Ukraine. get The afew break. ter months’ the bán example, nomic pressed At beforea few Fidesz months took power. and Party and ambassadors often to ‘opening by one Hungary Hungarian the the opportunity the framework caught United government frequent hand, rebuilding in months, and prosperous (including there from The Washington, emphasis manifest conferences congresses), West’s which development, Hungarian January turn his Putin which to desire in This could has Orbán Berlin, States). up “should the scepticism the of meetings Hungary was had in unity involved muted media, in in of East’ the West. be deprecating 2015 of led on to 2015 for Ukraine February which any has bilateral 2009, adversely important which improve trust called government’s which Budapest’s its held prohibition to as be the concerning and it stressed and international its Orbán’s Hungary Keskeny the close well something” resumed regarding developed between a Russian was in which after demands an Ukraine”. general sought is in the deterioration visits, Hungarian-Ukrainian 2016 relations as relations advocate in autumn shaped attitudes voted for state government that stance meetings regular Hungary’s was refocused of made the he a Budapest. president Russia, PM ambiguous correction and the a unified correct the in for of He group between responsible stressed anti-Russian the reverse with 2014 Orbán towards country’s of with the on in towards existence attempts has contacts autonomy rapprochement of two between 2014. the and rule interest; the underwent of Poland EU relations bilateral pointed mainly Russia, to As and states’ Hungarian in transmission sidelines that rhetoric Hungary the attack former’s policy Kyiv a of This foreign future, Kyiv. result, at for to President of law was coalition unfriendly for Orbán it relations tried lower out the was an but cooperation improvement improve a relations with was towards Ukraine there. In key the their towards also independent, of that the rhetorical attitude after policy and on also with to a officials the levels & in Hungary’s meeting Hungarian speech the of improve prospects of Poroshenko because Hungary greatest Putin Russia, Orbán’s influenced Hungary’s has a European relevance, its gas Russia. gestures Russia with after and tumultuous other, Ukraine. of towards in been relations from to to undermining was have government. demonstrate the between the the its Ukraine “which, of democratic crisis statements Hungarian traditional should in for According he minority, hindered entering Visegrad relations Ukraine. aided People’s towards ostenta by Ukrain interest this (within become as has its On Russia pres since their with first eco Or not the pe ex for af by ------

25 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 26 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 government (about year). 200 Ukraine per tonnes in aid humanitarian ian Hungarian accepted ry created than Hungary (DEEP) for Ukraine. has ian olition been along of However, opposition any Orbán. from meet with by however, Ukraine Hungary Even 3. the gary ian to Ukrainian nection on (March sons lations a though so-called A Ukraine. this has the a divisions ). soldiers transmission donated reas ofreas cooperation U with most meeting and among aided before with of interconnector also interconnector in the on 2013). Agreement). when EU Russia for has Hungary had full countries the operator the the virtual by This government, participated actual visas have and €100,000 other treatment the and also between compliance activated building This Hungary’s other in basis gave targeted citizens annexation November weaknesses As spent to system offered resumed reverse factors transmission allows Ukrtranshaz Ukraine in Visegrad part of In rise to to the the became a of holidays in theory, gas conform in decision against the hundreds have of to support material operator with good it Hungarian region. head (it flow the a its the reverse 2014 to (thus NATO-Ukraine range of of Group operates also activities deliver the the Defence deliveries, the relations (backhaul the of Crimea in Ukraine which Budapest volume with taken for Every working support Gazprom kraine FGSZ given subject Hungary so-called of agreement of EU flow states, Ukraine suspicions hospitals. children gas EU in and adapted at Education year and under entered financial between on is (the interruptible regulations and service), at the to completely of also pushed NATO, much and an in Third Cyber the the Ukraine, about tensions halt in 2014 a allows the the in of the interconnector few Thanks of PM the level Ukrainian-Russian into the injured and support in smaller, Hungary for Energy banner Enhancement cooperation Defence past 20 rules as summit months Orbán). EU the interests gas an the halted (the it of Ukrainian albeit Putin’s between mode). two has and to supply for 6.1 agreement soonest to and of so-called Package. to the for Trust, in later their bcm introduced and be years. to NATO. its In NATO, NGOs speeches Wales. killed of support a technical between traded The with January gas was Hungary lesser Ukraine per the the soldiers Programme cooperation possible which Hungary’s providing deliveries operation However, Hungary, Intercon Budapest preceded with Hungar Ukrain year, Ukraine conflict, Ukrain Hunga within extent do of regu Hun 2015, rea was are and has the not the ab al ------

the which tween in Hungary million). its Hungary Hungary crossings ing Hungary service. reverse implementation virtual the of preventing the thereby est cooperation in Gazprom Eastern its Russia). which tries’ In Commission. Stream Ukrainian ing ry’s Hungarian tween Stream its nectors Stream distribution regulatory Stream the the decision in recent economic Hungarian any the Hungarian third Ukraine prime years border has Hungary 2009 is 2 public hypocrisy project with 2. 2 After European

and still exports, has and offered and and pipeline. largest months been Nevertheless, Business authority criticism on 2014-15, ministers. in and in Austria the cooperation expressed does areas. However, the the statements bridges in Ukraine the investor the government but the neglected and possible 2013 2016 Ukraine Transcarpathian collapse export of the not basis countries field the has region In The Forum the 2016 the and MEKH of after trade provide over big March Hungarian For not in of are Prime Hungarian cautious Nord of local European Hungary suspension market Slovakia has in on with border of Ukrainian Ukraine, a of the the shown in the recording recent trying almost in loan this trade criticized has gas authorities seen Debrecen, Stream 2016, Ukraine market’s Minister particular, Hungarian river Ukraine. issue, opposition halted from of outside infrastructure as a a for years. is government Commission, region to minority doubled, the €50 the renewed similar , a of taking market significant the 2 revive result Nord this as with the OTP uncertainty the has prime Orbán million which of November This have the period as of economy, transit Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg which project capacity determination to boiled bank, full Stream measures and Ukraine it in of increase is their EU matter the the wants ministers was has the Ukraine, an has to transit after which (the losses Ukraine (after members plans marks of again be in economic down attractive consistently cross-border attended 2016 at 2. the attempted Russian auctions is modernisation have to a 2019. spent in the The which of in letter has the data facilitate to main started trade which great saw the mostly of has 2014-15 plans strengthened construct in Hungarian MEKH blocked United of on nine (shipping by crisis gas border). to destination. relation may the at become driving his flows. importance the resides to the the avoided to to the via to cooperation, contacts Central cabinet. (about Hungarian- strengthen has make build hinder in States expansion two highlight the European county intercon Ukraine. of the The Ukraine In to force Hunga codes), argued energy mostly border South coun mak 2016, Nord Nord Nord their €250 prof larg and and The Be the be for in of ------

27 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 28 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 nority conducting received Hungarian an The level EU. of the to the dispute this transfer to seek level, will Budapest of national is that neighbours. of of rights menting in the guage emerging ing which to of of plomacy. gary’s ing countries. these between border located on the are which Although 4. of mania) sive also of that part H the the Kyiv’s demands contention this the its Ukraine), capitals, them countries, Ukrainian Hungarian ungary’s H the policy towards plans cooperation in country further Transcarpathian road rights. and Donbas policy in would of autonomy, the also compliance its to in minorities the May In the proposals education, to network government hold absence its Kyiv policy Budapest’s includes concerning recent Soon run policy nor include towards Under (they in support Hungarians and 2014. aggression they government demand dual relations as between the a after his towards the motorway years being which number are the of Although in was for with the municipalities and citizenship. largest phrasing national separatists agreement for the demands the influence Hungarians; the changes has the for management at Hungarian has towards part the with Hungary Budapest Ukraine Transcarpathian in the outbreak risk cultural key Hungarian sometimes to about Hungarian accused Ukraine up rights he of Hungarian extend minorities Ukraine: – topic under for in to the did suggesting of Budapest supported on Ukraine 150,000 on the the criticism inhabited and is autonomy of autonomy 2) rhetoric governments not of the Kyiv in of also the international are the ungarian minorities U in ungarian the to Ukrainian expressed Ukrainian minority fighting Ukraine Budapest’s the 1) minority give Hungarian demarcate minority. is of scope conducting Hungarian not new under the has people, region. upper one by preventing that by coming any mostly have the for granting protested Russia, Ukrainian Kyiv, between of of which (as the respect support details border the legislation Tisza have inhabiting largest the or the The relations been Hungary an fora. well minority pretext by as from Hungarians minority with 0.3% leading PM electoral Hungarian Budapest have well Hungarians; formulated Budapest of river, strongly muted, the regarding for by as It for ethnic cultural government Russia, Orbán regard of has Slovakia 2020. as of the Ukrainian been with has the concerning the the at the areas protecting other as also constituency although rights the autonomous set government minority from against called wetlands neighbour a the in Kyiv. This population to which minority’s autonomy a condition the kraine the 3) Europe bilateral of its Ukraine stressed number and subject imple allow inten its of – scope other army Hun issue upon lan was was the mi Ro the the di in of ------

borders ernment, Another foreign ministry. Ukrainian the from tests aspirations zenship, the Hungarians of garian pest’s ter the When have the 2014 experiences Hungary’s hold to citizenship. right dual the minority the ian ian the right Hungarian The of Regions. Party opposition the to litical in moshenko from in as main those region law Hungary it dual the conclusion the parliament possession Transcarpathian Hungarians foreign presidency, on problems allowed is any Kyiv’s of aim promotion of teaching signals inhabited languages citizenship Orange burdened, citizenship of a unresolved which the consequences serving of parallel the government attitude minority of perspective, protested. ministry the with had Hungarian Russian-speaking in appeared state.’ the of of Revolution. has two of then Viktor in Hungarian-Ukrainian a of received by dual adopted the Hungarian the the among bilateral official has Ukraine. been the in towards days point According the which, government region). sharply governments stated Hungarian Ukraine, Hungarians citizenship, policy caused Yushchenko introduced for in to the Hungarian in after other of during be 2017 effect In agreement a contention Hungarian aim however, the The citizen admitted minority, of 2004, protested Although Yanukovych little to about population factors, the members of Maidan since simplified language, the Yanukovych’s in also there ‘the of changes Hungarian in in minority controversy Kyiv who promised Hungarian a citizenship those were which 2011, return most as feared is forthcoming reintegration calls relations minority’s by the the are the and was an has of the of fled which path is politicians not Constitution repeal in additional regions Hungarian which no case would the to nationalist – the Ukraine. a for Hungarian 2009 a government flagship regardless implemented. Kyiv legal give presidency authorities, series in for are nationality support as of Ukrainian the rights of meet Kyiv guarantee Hungarian of bill granting which of the and affected of provisions this then November who official Ukraine. Hungary of project the minority to Russian with (albeit are tendencies of the of concessions minority’s Act of regulate leftist caused nation Ukraine in came began his 70% largely dominant authorities of the by Hungarian immediate In language 2012 the by of citizenship another candidacy quite which the turn, The language of fact received taking Orbán’s government to the 2016. Hungarian beyond difficulties to Ukrainian positively, the power related in prohibits fact Hungar negative demand that Ukrain large the the for role would status Buda in state. Hun after that, pro gov citi po the the the the the the Ty for for af in to of ------

29 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 30 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 ian The The of rest Ukraine’s economic the inhabitants. situation) as difficult lated the to ver, Hungarians The monuments). dents cal gions against an remains government, Berehovo. Hungary-funded education education ian Transcarpathian Andrea secondary the Although them given Nevertheless 2014. in liament law Hungarian to created agreement Budapest) from Bloc Brenzovics). (László the region elections parliament. Ukrainian government’s Hungarian Hungarians Transcarpathian Orbán’s was the to for which time; Ukrainian Bocskor, each send in blocked list a the on a and is is However, schools problem,

which between authorities deputy in government conducted have of are still the (October first the a

the other culture deputy the 2012, language minority, An border are at Hungarian two was unsuccessfully by time. Regional Ferenc taken Parliament Hungarians negative Party operate present from since activist among the mainly the a the Hungarian elected Hungarians 2015) in representing

representative saw in The with place then the of Hungarian was has implementation the Rákóczi the which Hungarian in

Regions, Council. alliance the primarily the because, attitude from Hungarian due minority Hungary, heavily Hungarian on which 1990s) reinstated. since acting in

would attempt best-organised Fidesz’s inhabits recent minority trying to the II achieved 2014 the the of and instruction They towards put minority Transcarpathian thanks publicised president at Hungarian struggling constitute these (with of has

Hungarian lack to language. to the years, in (such list forward minority the a Although

also of repeal have parties relatively 2015 compact Uzhhorod substantial parties as the to of legislation Hungarian the as have and each the a national financial of a the from support is

member the it a single-mandate with minority national joint Ukraine, (which Over

given mediation has as minority majority. the few the won area one time vandalising broad

the proof State the Hungarian actually dominant candidates a nationality-based repeal concerning minorities successes deputy 8 in in of hundred resources. list minority have this of of same

minorities. rights the Hungarian. the in for of University the to of the This of

the Transcarpathia, has been of the the Transcarpathi government a the in European been 64 problems long of

the constituency in new party primary would in required the Poroshenko parliament. was Institute in in seats Hungarian Hungarian competing minorities Ukrainian the recent returned language Ukraine. some time

Ukrain Ukrain and Moreo Higher chosen field at in allow inci Par and (re any the the the re lo in an in of ------

policy their associations, vulnerable Hungarian age ble have ity but pathian the As communities). Since the Vojvodina the ed in and In Transcarpathia. in schools and renovation of hospitals longing also 2016, the in loans, economic economic the them entrepreneurs been

stressed the ‘homeland’. Transcarpathia of government Hungarian the to Hungarians. support outbreak from paying as the part minority Hungarian Budapest well situation crisis that Hungarian In emigrating; of

for allowances 2017 as of the the in state of has in around Hungarian-language the policy, This Transcarpathia Serbia, is has Hungary Ukraine, Transcarpathian government Hungarian of announced, sending Maidan – the minority. increased. includes in this €60 which for the which Transcarpathian reserved aid is million teachers, protests, more face nation”. part is humanitarian launched Hungary from also is the Hungarian of (a for and of aim similar for Ukraine’s Hungarians around Budapest Hungarian education, the doctors, the more inhabited In low-interest of a has Russian-Ukrainian addition general programme this Hungarians programme material €17 government also aid economic priests for programme million cultural by numerous are minorities allotted (e.g. objective the to loans “at aid their and Hungarian food to and present is for difficulties to institutions fund representatives funding for being journalists the long-standing non-refunda for thus is of to conflict businesses. Hungarian to companies Budapest’s Transcar remain children), the conduct discour improve minor for – most and and has the be in ------

31 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 32 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 key served France), ity. In I on plemented Positive tion and struction ing Russia ue are their financial other the Czech the less nomic ultimately and stage, its In Washington. and Berlin vince view, have, the facing the depends V.

Ukraine’s their the Moscow, Western

new exception For the lack focused

areas players attention in Slovakia, of U Republ those political compared the priority Republic. as interests immediate Brussels since k armed and over Kyiv, resolution support solutions authorities of on has r well main and of mentioned through set substantive maintaining countries’ a

neighbours. in the and the on Nord 2014, foreign traditionally cooperation of i to conflict technical both support, NATO for as a ne’s polne’s aim three strength

(by

in last This to bilateral to its date for ic its the (as

aftermath Stream of NATO ensure as the

president, bilaterally , S the in active of Ukraine. 25 relations policy, country the and Kyiv well to fundamental Ukrainian above. leaders with Kyiv its military lovak years, which potential EU). lift assistance This the of Donbas and (economic, political the

with that diplomatic as sees 2 been took each Russia relations visas ic Minsk The blocked. attitude Concomitantly, EU is a In of the

to Miloš was

is with these as strong shortage y towa it) now and this the lobby no of of seen goal (particularly government conflict. EU. and i well for to relations a and H a and particularly in this action primary agreements from issues.

economic

various Revolution seen Zeman), context, states both social At the of Ukrainian with results Visa actions as political on and as format’s these the supporting of in Western Donbas behalf in these to And

(and rich the liberalisation and First, financial r Ukraine with same the intensify capitals, importance.

from Kyiv’s but the c Cze the ds in until activities challenges the will V4 thirdly, cross-border)

states, highlighted problems as thus unga of V4+Ukraine of members the

citizens. one ensuring the and V4’s time, states United the Dignity the donors. Ukraine’s spring efforts to capitals

sectoral as the

Czech resources, which the first the implement main importance low as a getting Kyiv is

EU do supportive r well with the deep can States, cooperation This From to priority on in 2017, y Secondly, in and the

has not Republic, and document in tends keep of political sanctions format, the country the cooperation Ukraine primarily as 2014, the financial attitude, those continuation Gazprom’s

have foremost,

little when NATO) Kyiv’s and h EU Germany the international initiatives the to for these EU state and in also

top perceived pay countries retaining influence is Hungary and pressure has Brussels with Ukraine regulat was point in

a against contin to be as NATO crisis. issues prior situa much (with often 2014, been with with eco con con and im an ob the in of of ------

This ception nificantly by forms Regardless, government, sian choice difficult relations is the drop the its spective, remains with greater The NATO. and EU the in lobbying for interests its For tions prime senting June, on Kyiv EU. advocate the Ukraine’s in as principal portrayed be success in controversy. Presidents Ukraine. with relations seen fore Ukraine, not the president the start tension this dynamics the gas is sees of by Prague, with where a in minister involvement of policies another member of the in because the the via by parliamentary the reason, of Ukraine. with this it Bratislava its Ukraine helped Hungary, visa-free conflict Poroshenko the concerning is the Bratislava’s main Ukraine For government they Visegrad policy (who which and section cooperation Bratislava. of of government reason discrepancy (who these of of Kyiv symbolically Ukraine the bilateral transit the On has the that of over their of was as travel and and EU bringing is the of reasons, group. former main Schengen criticised does an why the minority consent and considered and politics the seriously the and common in other Slovakia. The route ally to in between main relations not in platform Ukraine EU Kyiv Kiska presidential seen traditionally Within reduce NATO the Slovak image on Kyiv it the ‘opened hand, border of assign of to Russia’s zone), players cannot rights the area as in memory border, country Russian activate undermined met At will to Ukraine of in the a this Kyiv politicians between has issue for bilateral be the safe Slovakia of the those particular as the on in focus be in import aggressive a association, the gas not elections the between cool the same pro-Ukrainian through the this pro-Russian excluded of closer gates’ partner the gas in and areas two regained which guaranteeing on Ukraine’s most Transcarpathian Ukraine relations Slovak-Ukrainian relations Vojany–Uzhhorod matter to in of during time, in the visa to to countries’ Europe Ukraine importance from the which in the neutral. which policies) who Europe, Europe EU. is that, liberalisation Ukraine however, 2019 are process the the approach the and politician) relations Russia Kyiv with have would in President are runs. Berlin the main trust has already gas the on Against and the Slovakia to political probably been crucial is of pipeline to the been their in crisis transit region there not campaign In Slovakia committed of and subject economic with border of pipeline its 2015, made occasion and Kyiv’s the as underway Kiska cause Slovakia’s improved the country’s Brussels. relations for contacts in is is a saw Poland, in of (which Slovak that and repre major a much 2009. back in more Kyiv. on rela Rus will per per was any be sig the re its to to of of 11 ------

33 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 34 PRACEOSW REPORT OSW 09/2012 08/2017 place, Hungarian from questioning ity. between Hungary’s Ruthenians. Transcarpathian the to but also Hungarians cal luctance year, more by trying 1 opt on in mestic the ritorial mands In (seeship 4). Chapter the gas resentation, greater Relations irritation. with ceived Slovaks by the ian reference region, central For Ukraine its osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/osw-commentary/2015-09-30/zakarpattia-together-separated ‘Zakarpattia the fear so-called via out Kyiv’s pressure Russian smuggling, the official rights more associated to domestic 1 Slovakia, policy to of

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