European Commission proposes releasing €4.2 billion to Hungary
European Commission proposes lifting safeguard measures on Hungary and releasing funds and educational programs after addressing rule of law deficiencies.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Brussels, September 23 (KUNA) -- The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it has proposed to the Council of the European Union to release 4.2 billion euros to Hungary, considering that Budapest has addressed rule-of-law deficiencies that had affected the EU budget.
In a statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Commission proposed lifting the preventive measures imposed on Hungary since 2022, after the country “has taken important steps to strengthen the rule of law and protect the EU’s financial interests.” She added, “Today we propose releasing 4.2 billion euros and reopening the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs to Hungarian students and researchers.”
Von der Leyen noted that this step would allow students and researchers to once again fully benefit from the opportunities provided by the EU, stating that “this shows that reforms are delivering results.” She explained that the plan requires approval by member states within one month, adding that adopting the proposal would reactivate funding commitments worth 4.2 billion euros that had been suspended under the cohesion policy, as well as restore access for students and researchers at universities managed by public-interest credit funds in Hungary to the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs.
She stated that she had assessed the measures reported by Hungary in September and concluded that Budapest had addressed the weaknesses and deficiencies previously identified in areas including public procurement, the anti-corruption framework, conflicts of interest risks, and the effectiveness of judicial and parliamentary measures.
She pointed out that the reforms included strengthening the powers and data access of the Integrity Authority, establishing a comprehensive system for declarations of financial interests, increasing transparency, and addressing conflicts of interest risks linked to public-interest funds. Additionally, the scope of judicial review of decisions by investigation and prosecution authorities was expanded, alongside enhanced oversight of EU funding, transparency in public procurement, and government spending.
She added that Hungary’s accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, along with new rules on beneficial ownership and public procurement, strengthens anti-corruption efforts and prevents conflicts of interest.
In December 2022, the Council, acting on a proposal from the European Commission, adopted an implementing decision to take measures to protect the EU budget from violations of the rule of law principles in Hungary. These violations concerned areas such as public procurement, judicial and parliamentary procedures, conflicts of interest, anti-corruption, and public-interest funds. (End) Arn / T.M.A
