The European Commission has proposed unfreezing €4.2 billion in EU funding to Hungary following reforms introduced since Péter Magyar became prime minister in May. The Commission highlighted improvements in public procurement, anti-corruption measures, conflict-of-interest rules and prosecutorial effectiveness. EU member states must still approve the proposal; the Commission previously said up to €16.4 billion could be released pending successful reforms.
EU To Unfreeze €4.2bn For Hungary After Rule-of-Law Reforms — Erasmus and Horizon Access May Return
FILE PHOTO - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar deliver joint statements following their meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels. (is associated with: «EU Commission plans to unblock €4.2bn for Hungary following reforms») Xavier Lejeune/EU Commission/dpa
The European Commission has proposed releasing €4.2 billion in previously frozen EU funds to Hungary after a series of rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms introduced since Prime Minister Péter Magyar took office in May.
What the Commission Says
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the steps taken by Budapest, saying the government has strengthened the rule of law and better protected the Union's financial interests. The reforms aim to address shortcomings in public procurement, the anti-corruption framework, conflict-of-interest rules and the effectiveness of prosecutorial action.
The Commission noted that these changes justify restoring access to part of the frozen funds and to key EU programmes.
The proposal would unblock €4.2 billion earmarked for economically disadvantaged regions and would allow Hungary to fully rejoin the Erasmus student-exchange programme and the Horizon research funding scheme. EU member states still need to approve the plan before the funds and programme access can be restored.
In May the Commission said it was prepared to release up to €16.4 billion in total if reforms were implemented successfully. The decision represents a notable example of the EU linking financial support to measurable improvements in governance while providing incentives for continued compliance.
Next Steps
The plan now goes to EU member states for approval. If endorsed, disbursement would be subject to monitoring and conditions designed to ensure sustained progress on anti-corruption measures and public-procurement transparency.
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