EU says to unlock first €4.2bil for Hungary after post-Orban reforms
Prime Minister Peter Magyar launched a reform drive to regain access to over €16 billion that Brussels had frozen over rule-of-law concerns during nationalist leader Viktor Orban's rule.
The European Commission has proposed unlocking €4.2 billion for Hungary, to be redirected towards the student mobility and research schemes, following Budapest's government's implementation of promised reforms. Prime Minister Peter Magyar's reform drive began upon his election this year, with the aim of regaining access to over €16 billion that Brussels had frozen due to rule-of-law concerns during Viktor Orban's tenure.
Ursula von der Leyen, EU chief, stated that Hungary has made significant strides in strengthening the rule of law and protecting the Union's financial interests. Today, the Commission is proposing to unlock the €4.2 billion to reopen Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe to Hungarian students and researchers. The plan requires approval from member states within a month.
Notable reforms include improvements in public procurement and tackling corruption, such as strengthening the powers of an anti-graft watchdog and establishing a comprehensive asset declaration system.
According to Piotr Serafin, EU commissioner for budget, anti-fraud, and public administration, the government's efforts to safeguard European taxpayers' money allow billions of euros to flow again.
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- EU says to unlock first €4.2bil for Hungary after post-Orban reforms freemalaysiatoday.com
