EU Ends Anti-Corruption Funding Curbs on Hungary, Freeing €4.2bn
The move follows anti-corruption and transparency measures by Hungary’s new government and restores access to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes.
- The Council of the EU ended the conditionality mechanism on Tuesday, unfreezing €4.2 billion for Hungary and restoring access to Erasmus and Horizon Europe programs.
- Corruption and rule-of-law concerns prompted the European Commission to freeze €6.3 billion in 2022 under Prime Minister Viktor Orb, later reduced to €4.2 billion after Hungary lost €1 billion at year-end 2024 and 2025.
- Following the Tisza Party election victory, Magyar negotiated €16.4 billion in total funding releases in exchange for anti-corruption reforms and transparency measures addressing the European Commission's original concerns.
- Applying for €10 billion in EU post-pandemic recovery funds, Hungary also expects €2.2 billion linked to academic freedom improvements, with both tranches subject to European Commission evaluation.
- European Commission President Ursula Leyen posted, "A new chapter starts today. For Hungary and for Europe," as Budapest could access remaining funds by year-end if evaluation proves positive.
41 Articles
41 Articles
European Union (EU) countries have approved the European Commission's (EC) plans to unblock 4.2 billion euros in EU funds for Hungary, which were frozen due to corruption allegations under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
After anti-corruption reforms by the Hungarian government, the EU releases EUR 4.2 billion of frozen EU funds. At a meeting in Luxembourg, the EU states voted in favour of a proposal from the EU Commission, which took the last hurdle.
Die Presse
ORF.at NewsAfter the political change in Hungary, the EU releases 4.2 billion euros of frozen funding. Peter Magyar's new government had previously implemented important reforms.
After Viktor Orban no longer reigns in Budapest, the EU wants to spend previously frozen billions. There is also good news for universities and researchers.
Zeit Online
The Council of the European Union decided to conclude the conditionality procedure against Hungary on Tuesday, allowing Budapest access to another €4.2 billion and the participation of Hungarian students and researchers in the Erasmus-plus programmes.
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