The EU’s safeguard of minority languages in the pre-accession acquis: Ukraine’s thorny path ahead

Among the numerous normative elements the EU makes use of in the protracted negotiations with its current candidate states, one should not underestimate the prominence of minority and regional languages. Set against the background of the heavy Chapter 23 of the acquis, and of such documents as the Council of Europe’s European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights (Art. 22), this matter is once again in the limelight given the rather incompatible language policy adopted by an otherwise overwhelmingly pro-EU government of Ukraine, most likely chiefly targeted at diminishing russification. While acquis compliance in this respect is bound to be expected at some point, the issue has gained prominence of late since neighbouring countries like Hungary, and to a far lesser extent, Romania, have produced meaningful standpoints germane to Ukraine’s EU accession file in the light of its language policy and the issue of reciprocity in this respect. Our research examines the legal framework of Ukraine and the requirements of the EU acquis pertaining to the protection of minority languages, serving as a useful case study for the greater accession file and assessing the former’s role as a norm-setter in this ever more present topic in regional affairs. The multilogue between the European Commission and the member states that hold significant stakes in Ukraine’s minority language policy is emphasized amid the need to preclude this matter from reducing support for the war effort.