Hungary's Magyar pushes to unblock EU billions

Budapest/Brussels – A new era appears to be dawning for Hungary's relationship with the European Union, as incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar makes a swift and decisive move to unlock vital EU funding. In a clear departure from the often-contentious approach of his predecessor, Viktor Orban, Magyar has prioritized engagement with Brussels, signaling a strong intent to mend fences and re-align Hungary with shared European values.

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In one sentence: EU funds will soon start arriving in Hungary, enabling us to kick-start the Hungarian economy

Magyar's recent visit to Brussels, his first since defeating Orban, culminated in a "highly constructive" meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The outcome was optimistic: Magyar announced that EU funds, totaling approximately €18 billion that were frozen due to rule-of-law and corruption concerns, would soon begin flowing into Hungary. He expressed confidence that this would enable the country to "kick-start the Hungarian economy." This rapid engagement, even before officially taking office, has buoyed expectations in Brussels, with one EU lawmaker noting, "We've never seen such a level of commitment from a government that isn't even in office yet."

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The European Commission will support your work to address these issues and realign with shared European values

The urgency for Hungary is palpable. The incoming government faces a critical deadline at the end of August to implement reforms and secure the remaining €10 billion from COVID-19 recovery funds, or risk losing them entirely. Magyar's proactive stance is a clear attempt to demonstrate tangible benefits from his promise to reset ties, aiming to convince Brussels of genuine change in Budapest.

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The EU faces many challenges, but when we are united Europe always delivers

While the mood in Brussels is upbeat, with officials like European Council chief Antonio Costa echoing the positive exchange, a degree of caution remains. "So far, wait and see," one EU diplomat commented anonymously. The true test will lie in concrete actions rather than just warm words. However, the contrast with the previous administration's prolonged standoff is stark, suggesting that Hungary may indeed be embarking on a new chapter with the EU, one focused on cooperation and shared values.

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We've never seen such a level of commitment from a government that isn't even in office yet