Hungary: EU releases 4.2 billion euros after change of power in Hungary

Now that Viktor Orban is no longer in power in Budapest, the EU wants to let previously frozen billions flow. There is also good news for universities and researchers.

Brussels. The EU is releasing frozen EU funds worth 4.2 billion euros following the Hungarian government's anti-corruption reforms. At a meeting in Luxembourg, the EU states voted for a corresponding proposal from the EU Commission, which cleared the final hurdle. "A new chapter begins today. For Hungary and for Europe," wrote EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Platform X.

The EU withheld the funding due to violations of the rule of law and fundamental EU values under the previous government of Viktor Orban. Prime Minister Peter Magyar initiated a policy change after taking office in May.

After the adoption of the proposal, all Hungarian universities can now take part in the Erasmus exchange program. Researchers also have access to the Horizon Europe research and innovation program.

In recent months, the new government has made significant progress in restoring the rule of law and reversing some of the previous government's decisions, said European Commissioner for Democracy Michael McGrath. “Another clear signal that Hungary is firmly back on the European course,” said McGrath.

The EU Commission had previously vowed that the government's measures in Budapest would better control the use of EU funds and make public tenders and spending more transparent. According to the Brussels authority, Hungary's accession to the European Public Prosecutor's Office also strengthens the fight against corruption.

The money now released is intended to flow from the EU budget for structural support, i.e. to benefit economically disadvantaged regions. The Commission signaled in May that it wanted to release frozen funds totaling at least 16.4 billion euros if reforms were successfully implemented. In addition to the released 4.2 billion, a further 10 billion are to come from the EU's Corona recovery fund. In addition, Hungary pledged reforms in the area of ​​academic freedom that could bring Budapest an additional 2.2 billion.