Summary
Jan Marinus Wiersma
Hongarije en Slowakije op confrontatiekoers
Jan Marinus Wiersma deals with the tensions between the neighbouring countries Hungary and Slovakia which have increased in recent years. The main debate is the situation of the Hungarian minority living in Slovakia. Bratislava has been accused of discriminating its citizens of Hungarian descent while Slovaks heavily criticise the privileges given by Budapest to the minorities in the neighbouring countries. Historical events like the Treaty of Trianon, when the borders of Hungary were redefined, and other bad episodes of a common past play an enormous role in the debate. Nationalists from both sides abuse history to attack one another. Recent steps like the new Slovak language law and the decision of the recently installed Hungarian government to offer passports to all Hungarians living abroad fuel the conflict. Both countries are now led by populist governments. Slovakia and Hungary are EU member states and borders no longer exist. Nevertheless, the EU stands aside and maintains a policy of non-intervention. Before accession the EU demanded measures from candidate countries to improve the situation of their minorities. Yet, most promises made then were forgotten after accession.