The Prime Minister’s Office has voiced shock and concern over Ukraine’s decision to ban Hungary’s recently appointed ministerial commissioner in charge of Transcarpathia developments.
Vasil Bodnar, Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister, told Ukrainian online media that his government was ready to deny entry to the commissioner “unless Hungary provides an explanation for creating the (new) post”.
The Prime Minister’s Office said that István Grezsa, the commissioner, has worked for nearly three years as government commissioner coordinating Hungary-Ukraine cross-border projects, and his appointment has “changed the title but not the scope of his activities”.
Grezsa’s work “is not aimed against Ukraine in any way”, but aims to develop areas on both sides of the border “along coordinated, clear lines”. The office added that “both the Hungarian and Ukrainian communities have benefitted from the dozens of successfully implemented programs so far”.
Successful projects include Hungary’s assistance with Ukraine‘s fight against a measles epidemic, financing the renovation of kindergartens or helping Transcarpathia with a water purification project and are “not an attempt to interfere with Ukraine’s domestic affairs” but a contribution to efforts aimed at improving the lives of both Hungarians and Ukrainians, the statement said.