THE HUMANITARIAN POLICY OF THE HUNGARIAN IN ZAKARPATHY: HISTORICAL ORIGINS AND MODERN REALIZATION

Abstract

It is stated that the reasons for the activation of the humanitarian policy of Hungary in Transcarpathia are: the role of the former lands in the national consciousness; the Hungarian population of these lands, which must retain its national identity; common history, cultural domination, former state greatness; the population who accepted Hungarian citizenship as an electorate. One of the main subjects of Hungary’s offensive humanitarian policy, which focuses on the language issue, is Ukraine, given its difficult situation. The Hungarian side depends on its further relations with Ukraine depending on its humanitarian policy, requiring Ukraine to adjust its policy according to the Hungarian vision of conflicting humanitarian problems.

The right-wing, conservative concept of the Orbán government about a strong and active state resonates with a certain statism that has historically emerged in the minds of Hungarian society. It embodies the concept of a Hungarian ethnic nation, an important component of which is the support of Hungarian minorities living abroad (including in Transcarpathia), helping them maintain their identity.

The problem of actualizing the language issue reflects all of the most difficult moments of Hungary’s «central-eastern policy». These include the historical, cultural and socio-psychological aspects of this problem: the need to overcome the national trauma and the «Trianon complex» from the loss of Transcarpathia and other lands after World War II; seeking the commitment of the diaspora and the patriotic electorate; preservation of the Hungarian historical and cultural heritage in Transcarpathia; use of the requirements of the Hungarian right-wing radicals for the return of historical territories for the political blackmail of Ukraine.

The importance of the development of the partnership between Ukraine and Hungary was stated, and it was stressed that the implementation of the Neighborhood Policy in the context of European integration processes requires the implementation of humanitarian cooperation activities, in order to develop common approaches to the issues of language, history and culture.