The European Commission has put forward a proposal to unfreeze €4.2 billion in cohesion funds allocated to Hungary, signaling a potential shift in the EU’s stance towards the nation. This move also includes the reinstatement of Hungary’s full access to the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs, which are crucial for Hungarian students and researchers. The decision comes after Hungary reportedly made significant efforts to address rule-of-law concerns that had previously led to funding restrictions.
According to the European Commission, Hungary has implemented reforms in several key areas, including public procurement, anti-corruption measures, conflicts of interest, and the effectiveness of prosecutorial action. These steps were deemed necessary to ensure the proper use of EU funds and to comply with the bloc’s governance standards.
However, the proposal to release the funds is not yet finalized. It requires approval from the Council of the European Union, which has a month to make its decision. Until the Council grants approval, the funding restrictions that were imposed in 2022 remain in effect.
The €4.2 billion proposed for release represents only a portion of the EU funds that are currently restricted for Hungary. Other cohesion funds remain blocked under different conditions, and the assessment of Hungary’s access to recovery funds is ongoing through a separate process.
This development is a part of broader negotiations between Hungary and the European Union, as both entities work to resolve ongoing disputes over governance and compliance with EU rules. The outcome of the Council’s decision will be crucial in determining the future financial and educational collaborations between Hungary and the EU.