European Commission Rejects Claims That Hungary Has Received Frozen EU Funds

Brussels has delivered a one-word answer to claims that Hungary’s frozen European Union funds have already been released and transferred: no.

The European Commission said Hungary still needs to submit the official payment request that begins the disbursement process. Member states have until September 30, 2026, to file that request. The commission also rejected the claim that it has already confirmed Hungary’s full compliance with the required super-milestones and rule-of-law conditions.

Instead, the commission said it would formally assess all the milestones as part of the payment request Hungary is expected to submit in September. That means no approved document is currently in place and the substantive review has not yet begun, according to the piece.

The process described is multilayered. Hungary first had to complete its promised reforms and investments by August 31. It must then assemble supporting documents, invoices, legislative amendments and other evidence into a final payment application. Commission experts will examine the materials, public procurement procedures, legal coherence and milestone compliance. The review is expected to take months.

A transfer can begin only after a positive Commission assessment and approval by the Council, made up of the EU member states’ finance ministers. The article argues that the timetable therefore depends on the Commission and the Council, rather than on political declarations from Hungary’s government or the Tisza party.