Hungary - December 2023

The European Commission unblocked EUR 10.2 billion in cohesion funds for Hungary, nearly a year after freezing the funds due to the country's failure to address rule-of-law concerns. This decision enables the government to submit reimbursement requests for development projects. Didier Reynders, the European Commissioner for Justice, emphasized that improved judicial independence guarantees have been received, cautioning this is not the conclusion of the process and indicating ongoing vigilance for any potential setbacks. Approximately EUR 21 billion in funding for Hungary remains locked. Some observers said that the release of funds is part of negotiations with Hungary not to oppose accession negotiations with Ukraine and not to block funds and military aid to Ukraine. The European Commission maintains that its decision is a procedural response to Hungary's judicial reform. Amnesty International and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee argue that the reform inadequately addresses the concerns raised by Brussels, since the solutions violate rule of law by breaching relevant legislation, neglecting public consultations and civil society’s proposals.

Sources: European Commission, Euronews, Deutsche Welle, Politico, Balkan Insight, Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Magyar Hand