The European Commission has proposed to release €4.2 billion in previously frozen cohesion funds to Hungary, along with restoring full access to the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs for Hungarian students and researchers. This proposal comes after Hungary reportedly took steps to address rule-of-law concerns that had been impacting the EU budget. These steps include reforms related to public procurement, anti-corruption measures, conflicts of interest, and the effectiveness of prosecutorial action.
The proposal, however, is not yet finalized. It requires approval from the Council of the European Union, which has a one-month window to decide on lifting the measures initially imposed in 2022. Until the Council gives its nod, the restrictions on the funding remain in place, maintaining a level of uncertainty around the final outcome.
It’s important to note that the €4.2 billion in question represents only a portion of the EU funds that are still frozen for Hungary. Other cohesion funds remain blocked under different conditions, and Hungary’s access to recovery funds is undergoing a separate assessment process. This indicates that while progress has been made, additional steps may be necessary for Hungary to regain full access to all EU funding streams.
The European Commission’s initiative highlights the ongoing negotiations and compliance measures involved in the relationship between the EU and its member states, particularly when rule-of-law issues arise. The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, balancing financial support with the enforcement of EU values and principles.
