The European Commission has proposed the release of €4.2 billion in frozen cohesion funds to Hungary, marking a significant step in addressing past rule-of-law concerns. This proposal also aims to restore full access for Hungarian students and researchers to the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes, which had been restricted due to previous issues.
The decision follows Hungary’s implementation of reforms targeting public procurement, anti-corruption measures, conflicts of interest, and the effectiveness of prosecutorial actions, as identified by the Commission. The European Commission’s move is seen as an acknowledgment of Hungary’s efforts to align with EU budgetary and governance standards.
However, the proposal is not yet finalized. It requires approval from the Council of the European Union, which has a month to decide whether to lift the restrictions initially imposed in 2022. Until the Council provides its consent, the current funding restrictions remain in effect.
It’s important to note that the proposed €4.2 billion represents only a portion of the EU funds currently restricted for Hungary. Other cohesion funds remain blocked, contingent on separate conditions, and Hungary’s access to recovery funds is undergoing a distinct evaluation process.