The European Commission has put forward a proposal to release €4.2 billion in previously frozen cohesion funds to Hungary, a move that would also restore full access for Hungarian students and researchers to the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes. This proposal comes as Hungary has reportedly implemented reforms to address rule-of-law concerns that have impacted the EU budget. These reforms include changes in public procurement processes, anti-corruption measures, managing conflicts of interest, and enhancing the efficiency of prosecutorial actions.
For the proposal to take effect, it requires approval from the Council of the European Union, which has a month to decide on lifting the measures that were imposed in 2022. Until the council gives its approval, the current funding restrictions will remain in place.
It is important to note that the €4.2 billion in question represents only a portion of the EU funds that are still restricted for Hungary. Other cohesion funds remain blocked under different conditions, and the country’s access to recovery funds is being evaluated through a separate process.
The European Commission’s recommendation to release the funds signifies progress in addressing the issues that led to the initial freezing of funds. However, the final decision now lies with the Council of the European Union, which will determine if Hungary’s reforms are sufficient to warrant the release of funds and the restoration of program access.