Hungary demands unblocking of billions of euros in EU aid during Brussels talks
Kyiv • UNN
Péter Magyar discusses the unblocking of 20 billion euros in aid in Brussels. To receive the funds, Hungary must fulfill 27 conditions regarding reforms.
The newly elected Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Magyar, during his first visit to Brussels after his election victory, is insisting on the swiftest possible restoration of access to frozen European Union funds. This concerns billions of euros in aid blocked due to violations of the principles of the rule of law. This was reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.
Details
On Wednesday, Magyar is holding talks with the leadership of the European Commission, including its President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as with the President of the European Council, António Costa. According to sources, the parties are demonstrating a political readiness for compromise after a long-standing conflict with the previous government of Viktor Orbán.
EU sets conditions and limits deadlines
The European Union requires Budapest to fulfill 27 conditions related to reforms and the fight against corruption before unlocking more than $20 billion in aid. The new government could fulfill some of these requirements quickly thanks to its parliamentary majority.
Magyar to meet with von der Leyen to unblock billions of euros27.04.26, 12:59 • 3684 views
At the same time, the situation is complicated by the fact that about 10 billion euros from the post-pandemic recovery fund could be lost after August if Hungary does not submit ready projects. The European Commission is considering options for revising the funding, including shifting the focus from loans to grants or moving projects to other programs.
The negotiations are also taking place against the backdrop of the issue of Ukraine's EU membership. Brussels expects that the new Hungarian government may reconsider its position on blocking Ukraine's accession negotiations.