Improving EU-Hungary Relations: Parties Meet to Discuss Unfreezing Funds
Following Peter Magyar's election victory in Hungary, relations with the EU are improving. The EU Commission and Hungarian representatives held technical meetings in Budapest to discuss unlocking billions of euros frozen due to rule-of-law concerns, as the new government pledges major reforms.
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- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 21:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 22:00 (30 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 22:25 (24 min after Collected)
Peter Magyar defeated Viktor Orban in the parliamentary elections on the 12th, becoming the Prime Minister-elect of Hungary. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a phone call with Magyar on the 14th to discuss priorities, emphasizing the need to promptly commence recovery, adjustment, and reform efforts.
With Magyar set to officially take office as early as the beginning of May, relations between Hungary and the European Union have noticeably improved, and related consultations and meetings are ongoing.
According to a press release issued by the European Commission, from the 17th to the 18th, a high-level delegation from the European Commission held technical meetings in Budapest with senior representatives of Hungary's incoming government. This was intended to demonstrate the determination of both sides to take action on various urgent issues.
The European Commission emphasized that the meetings were designed to assist both sides in discussing how to substantively push forward the unfreezing and disbursement of previously frozen EU funds. These funds were originally slated for Hungary but were frozen due to concerns regarding corruption and the rule of law.
Regarding this bilateral meeting, Magyar posted on his personal social media platform X today, stating that the consequences of the mistakes made by the outgoing government will not disappear overnight. However, 'we will not make excuses; we will seek solutions. We have already taken the first step in the right direction.'
Magyar stated that the billions of euros in EU funds belong to Hungary and the Hungarian people, and without these funds, it would be difficult for Hungary to restart its economy. He noted that EU funding is not charity, but a fair return for the contributions Hungarians make to the EU and the efforts Hungary puts in as a member of Europe.
He also promised that anti-corruption measures, joining the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and restoring the independence and freedom of the judiciary, press, and higher education will be fully implemented once he officially assumes office.
With Magyar set to officially take office as early as the beginning of May, relations between Hungary and the European Union have noticeably improved, and related consultations and meetings are ongoing.
According to a press release issued by the European Commission, from the 17th to the 18th, a high-level delegation from the European Commission held technical meetings in Budapest with senior representatives of Hungary's incoming government. This was intended to demonstrate the determination of both sides to take action on various urgent issues.
The European Commission emphasized that the meetings were designed to assist both sides in discussing how to substantively push forward the unfreezing and disbursement of previously frozen EU funds. These funds were originally slated for Hungary but were frozen due to concerns regarding corruption and the rule of law.
Regarding this bilateral meeting, Magyar posted on his personal social media platform X today, stating that the consequences of the mistakes made by the outgoing government will not disappear overnight. However, 'we will not make excuses; we will seek solutions. We have already taken the first step in the right direction.'
Magyar stated that the billions of euros in EU funds belong to Hungary and the Hungarian people, and without these funds, it would be difficult for Hungary to restart its economy. He noted that EU funding is not charity, but a fair return for the contributions Hungarians make to the EU and the efforts Hungary puts in as a member of Europe.
He also promised that anti-corruption measures, joining the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and restoring the independence and freedom of the judiciary, press, and higher education will be fully implemented once he officially assumes office.