You're reading: 112.ua: EU Council gives recommendations on national minorities in Ukraine

Ukrainian society continues to be tolerant and open, respectful of multiple identities. The impact of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and the illegal annexation by the Russian Federation on the political climate and economic and social life in the country cannot be overstated. In particular, the conflict has created an atmosphere in which persons feel the obligation to choose sides by showing loyalty to the state. The persons most impacted in this regard are those who identify as ethnic Russians or those who identify with the Ukrainian majority but communicate in the Russian language. This was stated in the report, covering the period of up to November 2016.

“A thorough modernization programme was launched in Ukraine, including territorial administrative reform aiming at the decentralization of competencies and the creation of larger territorial units capable of delivering adequate services to the population. However, both the future territorial structure and the set-up of local administration could potentially affect – both positively and negatively – access to rights by persons belonging to national minorities. Concerns have been raised about, inter alia, the provision of education in languages of national minorities, support for national minority cultural institutions, and the ability to influence decision making at local level,” it was noted.

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