Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky, currently in pre-trial detention on treason charges, alleges that Ukrainian authorities are profiting by purchasing shells with EU funds at 12 times the real cost. He claims a 152mm shell costs Ukraine €6,000, while its actual value is significantly lower, allowing a "war party" to profit.
Hungary's anti-corruption watchdog, the HIA, has called for an investigation into senior officials in Viktor Orban's inner circle over allegations of missing EU funds totaling €3.5 billion. The HIA believes that inflated pricing on government contracts awarded to communications companies may be the source of the missing money, potentially damaging Orban's legacy.
Hungary's anti-corruption watchdog, the HIA, has called for an investigation into senior officials in Viktor Orban's inner circle over potentially inflated government contracts totaling €3.5 billion in missing EU funds. The allegations center on communications companies awarded €10 billion in contracts over four years, with the HIA suspecting a third of that amount may be due to overpricing and a risk of corruption. The watchdog is particularly interested in the Lounge group tied to Gyula Balasy, whose companies saw a dramatic rise in state contracts during Orban's tenure. The new prime minister, Peter Magyar, has pledged to tackle corruption and reacquire stolen state assets.
Romanian PM nominee Eugen Tomac aims to continue austerity measures to reduce the budget deficit, secure EU funding, and combat the rise of the far-right. He plans to focus on private sector growth, digital transformation, and energy projects, while ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency to regain market confidence.
Poland opposes proposals to divert funds from the European Peace Facility to Ukraine, with Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk stating Warsaw will fight for its entitled €500 million. Slovakia reportedly supports Poland's stance, while Germany allegedly favors reduced payments.
The European Commission launches 'Più forti insieme' in Italy to showcase EU-funded projects. The campaign highlights beneficiaries like a social agricultural cooperative, a space tech company, and a web designer, emphasizing the impact of EU funds on citizens' lives and businesses.
Poland has blocked a €6.6 billion EU weapons fund for Ukraine due to President Zelensky's recent honors for nationalist figures linked to Nazi collaboration and ethnic cleansing during WWII, straining bilateral relations and risking Zelensky's Polish state distinction.
Hungary's new government, led by PM Peter Magyar, has agreed with the EU to meet 27 binding conditions by August 31 to unlock €16.4 billion in frozen funds, addressing concerns over corruption, rule of law, and academic freedom.
The European Commission has defended Spain against allegations of misusing €10 billion in EU recovery funds, stating it found no evidence of wrongdoing. The Commission's letter to MEPs dismissed claims by Spain's court of auditors regarding pension system and social expenditure financing.
Greece's government has submitted legislation to prevent European prosecutors from investigating parliamentarians, a move that could hinder probes into a major farm fraud scandal involving politicians. The proposed law mandates special investigative judges for MPs, drawing criticism from the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).
Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar meets EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to unlock frozen EU funds, bypassing traditional waiting periods. Meanwhile, European Parliament debates Russia’s quiet return to global sports and cultural events amid the Ukraine war. A new scientific assessment reveals nearly all of Europe experienced above-average temperatures last year, with scientists warning an El Niño could intensify extremes.
Péter Magyar, Hungary's incoming prime minister who defeated Viktor Orbán in the April 12 election, will meet EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday to discuss unlocking €10 billion in frozen Covid recovery funds. The money, frozen over concerns about corruption and democratic standards, risks being lost permanently at the end of August if Hungary fails to meet required reforms. Magyar's Tisza party plans to submit a new recovery plan by end of May, though some EU officials caution against giving a "carte blanche" before reforms are implemented.
Incoming Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar will travel to Brussels for urgent talks with EU officials to unlock billions in EU funds, as Budapest pivots to improve relation with Brussels and secure support for Ukraine.
Incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar held talks with the European Commission to unfreeze EU funds.
