A Hungarian delegation led by Anita Orban is in Brussels discussing the release of approximately €17 billion in EU funds with the European Commission.
New Hungarian Government Seeks Unblocked Funds
The newly formed Hungarian government aims to unlock EU funds currently withheld from the country.
Under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary lost access to around €17 billion, nearly 10% of its annual GDP. This includes €10 billion from the post-COVID-19 recovery fund, with a spending deadline in August, and €7 billion from the seven-year EU budget for regional development, expiring in 2027.
Conditions for Fund Release
Access to the recovery fund is contingent upon meeting 27 “super milestones” outlined in Hungary’s National Recovery Plan.
The European Commission has linked the release of funds to reforms guaranteeing judicial independence and combating corruption.
Additional Funding Requests
The Orbán government also applied for €16 billion in loans from the SAFE defense program, but the Commission has not yet approved the plan.
Government Appointments
Peter Magyar announced that Anita Orban (not related to the outgoing prime minister) will serve as both Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
The Deputy Prime Minister will fully represent the Prime Minister during cabinet meetings and other official events in his absence.
EU-Hungary Talks in Budapest
A high-level delegation from the European Commission visited Budapest on April 18-19 to meet with representatives of the incoming Hungarian government, focusing on unblocking EU funds.
EU Readiness for Dialogue
Following Magyar’s election victory, the European Commission expressed its willingness to discuss releasing the frozen funds. The visit followed contacts between Ursula von der Leyen and Peter Magyar, with both sides committing to address urgent matters.
Discussions centered on specific steps needed to unlock the funds, which were suspended due to concerns over corruption and rule of law violations.
Hungarian Parliamentary Elections
TISZA, the opposition party led by Peter Magyar, won the Hungarian parliamentary elections on April 12, securing 141 seats in the 199-member National Assembly, giving them a constitutional majority. The new government will be sworn in on May 9.
