A bridge of understanding between Hungary and Ukraine

On September 25, 2019 international discussion ”A bridge of understanding between Hungary and Ukraine” was held. The roundtable was the first joint event of the Ukrainian International Centre for Policy Studies (ICPS) and the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade (IFAT) in 2019. The topic of the event was the current situation of Hungarian-Ukrainian relations and a deeper understanding of the conflict issues.

Vasil Filipchuk, Director of ICPS, and Márton Ugrósdy, Director of IFAT gave keynote speeches at the event. Hungarian-Ukrainian relations were further analysed by István Íjgyártó, Ambassador of Hungary to Kiev, who emphasized the historical significance of bilateral relations. According to the Ambassador, the two countries need each other, since we are talking not only about bilateral relations but also about regional issues. The presentations were followed by a roundtable discussion with political decision-makers, experts, former and current diplomats. The presentations focused primarily on the Ukrainian law on education adopted in autumn 2017, which had a negative impact on relations between Budapest and Kiev. Many agreed that the new Ukrainian leadership could bring about a change in bilateral relations.

The event was the first step in a partnership between the ICPS and the IFAT, and further joint programs and events aimed at deepening the dialogue between the two countries are expected in the near future.