Magyar leads high-level Budapest talks with Brussels to secure EU money

Hungary’s incoming leadership has signalled a decisive push to unlock frozen EU funds, following high-level talks with visiting officials from the European Commission. Péter Magyar, leader of the TISZA Party and likely next prime minister, said negotiations over the past two days marked the first step in a “complex but urgent” process to bring EU money back to Hungary.

Writing on social media, Magyar stressed that Hungary is entitled to significant EU funding, arguing that these resources are not “charity” but compensation for the country’s contributions to the European Union and its work within the bloc.

Billions in EU funds seen as key to economic restart

According to Magyar, access to EU funds is essential for restarting Hungary’s economy. He underlined that without these resources, meaningful economic recovery would be difficult to achieve.

“The Hungarian people are owed these funds,” he said, adding that there was full agreement during the talks that “real work must begin” to ensure the money finally reaches Hungary.

The negotiations involved senior representatives of the European Commission, who travelled to Hungary for the discussions. These were followed by technical-level consultations involving experts from both sides.

Anti-corruption reforms and rule of law commitments

Magyar also outlined a series of commitments his government intends to fulfil in order to meet EU expectations. These include:

• Implementing robust anti-corruption measures
• Joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office
• Restoring the independence of the judiciary
• Guaranteeing freedom of the press
• Ensuring autonomy in higher education

He said these pledges would be fully delivered once his government takes office, framing them as both a domestic obligation and a prerequisite for unlocking EU funding.

Brussels trip planned within days of taking office

Looking ahead, Magyar revealed that his third official trip after being sworn in as prime minister would be to Brussels. There, he aims to strike a comprehensive political agreement with EU institutions and member states to accelerate the release of funds.

He acknowledged that the consequences of the outgoing government’s policies would not disappear overnight, but insisted his administration would focus on solutions rather than excuses.

“Hungary’s place is in Europe”

Magyar concluded by referencing the outcome of the 12 April parliamentary elections, which gave his party a strong mandate. He described the result as a clear signal that Hungarians want the country firmly anchored in Europe.

“The Hungarian people have made a clear and decisive choice: Hungary’s place is in Europe,” he said.

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Featured image: Facebook/Péter Magyar