The European Union, led by Ursula Von der Leyen, has decided to gradually unlock over SEK 170 billion in previously frozen funds to Hungary, provided that the country implements the reforms demanded by Brussels.

The decision marks a clear shift in the relationship between EU leadership in Brussels and Hungary, where the funds had long been withheld due to the EU’s criticism of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s policies, as well as allegations of corruption and violations of the rule of law.

According to the EU Commission, the new deal involves a package in which the payments are directly tied to changes implemented in Hungary.

– Provided the reforms now set for adoption are actually implemented, I am pleased to announce that about ten billion euros may be released, said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after the meeting in Brussels.

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The total amount will increase as more previously frozen programs are included, for example from the EU’s pandemic recovery fund, regional support, and funds tied to academic freedom issues. Altogether, the package totals over 16 billion euros, or more than SEK 170 billion.

“Strong Wind of Change”

Von der Leyen also emphasized at the press conference that she expects deeper cooperation, which she believes will benefit both the EU and Hungary.

– April 12 will remain in our memories for a long time. On that day, Hungarians took their future into their own hands. They chose the EU and democracy, said von der Leyen about Orbán’s election defeat.

– We can already feel a strong wind of change blowing over Hungary.

– With your swearing-in, the sound of the European anthem, and the EU’s colors waving proudly over the Hungarian parliament, these are symbols that a new era is beginning for Hungary.

To Be Implemented Quickly

Now Orbán’s policies must go—and fast. The reforms must be in place by August 31 at the latest, or certain parts of EU support will be forfeited.

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There are also no shortcuts—all demands from the EU must be fulfilled. That’s also possible, as Péter Magyar holds a majority in the Hungarian parliament.

– All measures in the package must be fully implemented, said von der Leyen.

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Von der Leyen also highlighted that Hungary will now be included in Erasmus, the EU’s program for education and youth exchanges with other European countries. In the way the EU president presented the announcement, she implied that this should help strengthen Hungary’s understanding of multiculturalism and diversity.

– Diversity is our strength, she stated at the press conference.

Magyar Welcomes EU Influence: “Very Important”

Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar describes the news about EU support as significant for the country. At the same time, he puts the blame for the previously frozen funds on Viktor Orbán’s government, arguing that it gave a false impression of the reasons Brussels stopped the payments.

– This is very important for Hungary and for our people, he said in Brussels.

According to Magyar, it was not primarily about the reasons Orbán previously cited, such as political conflicts with the EU, but rather about corruption allegations. The information came from Orbán’s political rival and was not elaborated on further at the press conference, but he emphasized that it had been easy to fix.

– If I get this kind of money every time I come here, then I’ll come here more often, said Magyar as he stood next to von der Leyen at the press conference.

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Watch the entire press conference: