Has the Hungarian government worked out a plan to recover EU funds?
The Hungarian government has pushed back against claims that it could lose EU funding, insisting that these resources are critical to the country’s future. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Minister Gergely Gulyás have made it clear that Hungary is entitled to the money and won’t back down in negotiations with Brussels. While a large chunk of the funds remains frozen or delayed, the government has accused the European Commission of playing politics rather than following legal principles. Determined to secure what’s owed, officials have signalled they’re ready to stand firm, even hinting at vetoing EU proposals if Hungary’s interests aren’t respected.
EU funds cannot be lost
As VG reports, the Hungarian government has addressed concerns over EU funding, asserting that Hungary remains entitled to the funds in question. Minister Gergely Gulyás detailed the current status of Hungary’s EU budget allocations, noting that while EUR 10.2 billion of the EUR 21.7 billion cohesion funding for 2021–2027 was approved in 2023, only EUR 1.8 billion has been disbursed. A significant EUR 6.3 billion remains frozen, and EUR 1.04 billion has been deemed lost by Brussels, an assertion firmly rejected by the Hungarian government. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasised that Hungary has the resources to assert its national interests in negotiations, referencing his stance that EU funds, unlike handkerchiefs, cannot simply be lost.
Hungarian government ready to take action
Looking ahead, the Hungarian government is prepared to leverage its position in upcoming EU budget discussions, with Gulyás hinting at potential vetoes if national interests are threatened. While the government insists it has fulfilled its obligations to unlock the frozen funds, Gulyás criticised the European Commission’s handling of the matter, describing it as driven by political motives rather than legal principles. He reiterated Hungary’s strong performance in EU fund utilisation and its access to EUR 13 billion, reaffirming the government’s commitment to securing all outstanding amounts.
Funds and fines
The Hungarian government faces challenges with the EU Recovery Fund (RRF), which could provide EUR 10.4 billion to Hungary but remains held back, with disputes needing resolution by 2026. Minister Gergely Gulyás attributed the delays to political differences with Brussels, highlighting Hungary’s positions on migration, gender, and war as points of contention. He also addressed Hungary’s EUR 200 million migration fine and EUR 1 million daily penalties, revealing plans for legal action with a British law firm. While criticising the European Commission for what he called blackmail, Gulyás stressed that Hungary’s financial needs for this year and the next are secured, and bargaining power, not litigation, would ultimately ensure access to the necessary funds.
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