Hungarian Leader Engages with EU to Release Frozen Funds

Hungary's Prime Minister Peter Magyar aims to secure the release of billions in EU funds, frozen due to previous leadership issues, by meeting EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In an effort to unlock EU funds frozen due to democratic concerns, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar is set to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. This marks Magyar's first meeting with von der Leyen since taking office.

Magyar's victory in the April election ended Viktor Orban's 16-year leadership, during which time the EU withheld funding over corruption and judicial independence issues. Following assurances of significant reforms, around 10.2 billion euros were deemed ready for release.

Focusing on economic recovery, Magyar hopes to secure the release of 10 billion euros in COVID recovery funds and 6.3 billion in cohesion funds. The immediate priority is unlocking COVID funds before they expire in August. Magyar has expressed optimism about reaching a political agreement to aid Hungary's economy.