Zelensky signs law on education in languages of national minorities that are official EU languages

Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new legislative act regulating the educational rights of representatives of indigenous peoples and national minorities. The main feature of the document is the expansion of opportunities to acquire knowledge in languages that are official in European Union countries. At the same time, the Ukrainian language remains the basis for the educational process in institutions.

Details of signing and document status

Information about the signing of the document "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on Ensuring the Educational Rights of Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine and Persons Belonging to National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine" appeared in the legislative project card on the official website of the Verkhovna Rada. The document status has been updated: "Returned with the signature of the President of Ukraine".

Purpose and content of the regulatory act

The law is aimed at guaranteeing the educational rights of citizens belonging to national minorities, as well as fulfilling state obligations in the context of European integration. The document creates a legal basis for education in minority languages if these languages are included in the list of official EU languages. This does not cancel the status of the Ukrainian language as the main one in the education system.

Timeline of adoption and significance for the EU

The Verkhovna Rada supported the relevant legislative project on 12 October. 266 people's deputies voted in favour of the decision. The adoption of the document is expected to help unblock two negotiation clusters related to the process of Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

Diplomatic context and further actions

The plan for further actions after the adoption of the law was agreed upon during a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, and the head of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orbán. The President's signing of this act is one of the steps in resolving the issue of the language of instruction for national minorities and advancing the country towards EU membership.