Kyiv specifies areas of usage of Ukraine's minority languages

At a meeting on 9 February, the Ukrainian government approved the Methodology for the Use of Minority Languages within the framework of the European Commission's recommendations, which are required to begin EU membership negotiations.

Source: European Pravda; Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine

Details: The methodology, as explained, establishes uniform conditions and procedures for the use of national minority languages in settlements where they have historically lived or where national minorities account for more than 15% of the population.

The document specifies in which areas of public life the national minorities' languages may be used alongside the state language: communication with authorities; public, social, and health services; topographic information; and sign boards for authorities and utility companies.

Quote: "The use of a national minority (community) language is allowed by decision of the relevant village, settlement, or city council," according to the deputy prime minister's office.

Background: 

• Ukraine’s Parliament passed the law On National Minorities on 8 December, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed it the same day.
• Leaders of the Hungarian communities in Ukraine responded positively to the new law. Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu also welcomed the adoption of the law.
• Last week, after meeting with his Hungarian counterpart, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine is committed to finally settling its dispute with Hungary over the rights of national minorities, and a special commission under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will present a "specific understanding" on this matter within ten days.

Support UP or become our patron!