Hungary has lost one billion euros in European Union funds that were frozen over corruption concerns, marking the first time Brussels has enforced such a penalty.
In 2022, Brussels began “conditionality” proceedings against Hungary, seeking to block disbursements because of alleged infringements linked to public procurement as well as a lack of control and transparency.
Budapest did undertake reforms that allowed some funds to be unblocked, but a total of €19 billion remain frozen.
Under timelines laid out in the EU’s conditionality regulation, “the first tranche of suspended commitments” – which amounted to €1.04 billion – expired at the end of 2024 without the suspension being lifted, the commission said this week.
This means Hungary has now lost that funding.
Poland takes helm of EU with pledge to counter Russian influence
Democratic ‘backsliding’
Since his return to power in 2010, nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has strengthened his grip on power, allowing some of his allies to become very wealthy.
In July, the European Commission concluded in a report that Hungary did not meet EU democratic standards – notably on corruption, political financing, conflicts of interest and media independence.
Orban has promised to fight to protect money “that is ours.
The vote is currently scheduled for the spring of 2026.
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