The European Commission has decided to release about 16.4 billion euros in community aid destined for Hungary that had been blocked for some time due to doubts about respect for the rule of law during the previous far-right government
The announcement was made by the President of the Commission herself, during an appearance in Brussels together with the new Hungarian Prime Minister, Péter Magyar. Both have presented the agreement as the beginning of a new stage of cooperation between Budapest and the European institutions.
As Von der Leyen has pointed out, in recent weeks and after the new government there has been progress that reflects a change of course in the country. In this context, the Commission has agreed to unlock part of the European funds as long as it continues to implement committed reforms in terms of transparency, justice and the fight against corruption.
Of the announced total, some 10 billion euros correspond to the European recovery plan. These funds were conditional on their correct execution and compliance with certain reforms. before the end of August, to avoid its loss.
In addition, Brussels says it will release another €4.2 billion from cohesion funds that had been suspended by EU mechanisms that protect the rule of law. Added to this are an additional 2.2 billion linked to reforms aimed at guaranteeing fundamental rights, such as academic freedom.
The new Hungarian Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, has valued the agreement as an important step for his country and has assured that his Government will collaborate with the European Union for the benefit of Hungarian citizens and all Europeans.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has insisted that the release of funds It is neither automatic nor definitive.but will depend on whether the agreed reforms are actually carried out in the coming months.
