Debate on dual citizenship in Central and South East Europe

Photo: European Commission

A debate has arisen in Slovenia over granting dual citizenship to the country's Hungarian minority. Some years ago, Hungary said it would allow dual citizenship for Hungarians living as minorities in the neighbouring countries and passed a special law. By the way that law does not apply to Austria. Jasmina Ferk from Radio Slovenia international reports that dual citizenship is an issue in a number of Central and SE Europe states.

Photo: European Commission
The idea that ethnic Hungarians should be granted dual citizenship was most strongly opposed by Romania and Slovakia, where the majority of Hungarian reside. The initiatives, which are not new, have become a topical subject again following a visit of the Hungarian Prime Minister to Serbia.

The Serbian PM Zoran Zivkovic mentioned the possibility of granting dual citizenship for the Hungarian minority members living in Vojvodina. The response to his proposal was varied. While the Hungarian Foreign Minister Lazslo Kovacs characterized the initiative as unsuitable, the opposition supported it. The initiative for dual citizenship was also rejected by the Ukraine.

Entirely fresh is the news about an agreement between Hungary and Serbia and Montenegro that ex-Yugoslavian citizens are entitled to receive 5-year visas for Hungary. There is no information, however, on how the talks about dual citizenship will continue.

And what is the opinion of the representative of Hungarian minority in Slovenia? The president Gyorg Tomka's comment:

"We are well informed about the issue, but we do not support the initiative for dual citizenship. The matter might have been different if Hungary and Slovenia were not to become EU member states next year."

The representative of the Slovene minority, living in Hungary, Mr Joze Hirnek shares the opinion of Mr Tomka:

"I cannot see any reasons for the introduction of dual citizenship for Slovenes living in Hungary or Hungarians living in Slovenia. But I do not oppose the initiative. Prekmurje Hungarians have already taken full advantage of a special "status" law, namely more than 1,800 have received a special card, granting them important benefits."

Hungarian - inspired initiatives on dual citizens are understandable in the light of the fact that Hungarians live in almost all of Hungarian's neighbouring states. Debates are especially vigorous before elections. That is the case in Slovenia as well, with opposition parties being especially vehement. It is a well known fact that most of the minority organizations in Hungary's neighbour states are right wing oriented, and thus opposition parties are counting on a few extra votes.