The European Commission has put forward a proposal to release €4.2 billion in frozen cohesion funds for Hungary, while also reinstating full access to the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs for Hungarian students and researchers. This move comes as Hungary has made progress in addressing rule-of-law concerns that have impacted the EU budget.
Among the reforms Hungary has implemented are improvements in public procurement processes, anti-corruption measures, and the resolution of conflicts of interest. Additionally, Hungary has enhanced the effectiveness of prosecutorial action, which were key areas of concern for the European Commission.
For the proposal to take effect, it requires approval from the Council of the European Union, which has a one-month period to decide on lifting the measures that were initially imposed in 2022. Until the Council reaches a decision, the restrictions on funding will continue to be in place.
It is important to note that the €4.2 billion is only a portion of the EU funds that remain restricted for Hungary. Other cohesion funds are still blocked under different conditions, and the access to Hungary’s recovery funds is undergoing assessment through a separate process.