According to Brussels-based Politico, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen interpret the political agreement between the two sides on the frozen EU funds differently.
Péter Magyar would unlock frozen EU funds
Prime Minister Péter Magyar told RTL Klub last weekend that he would travel to Brussels this week to negotiate the release of the frozen EU funds. However, Paula Pinho, a spokesperson for the European Commission, could not confirm a date to journalists. She said she would like to confirm a date, but was unable to do so. She added that a meeting between the Commission President and the Hungarian Prime Minister would take place, with only the timing yet to be decided.
Politico reported that there is a difference in interpretation regarding von der Leyen’s previous talks with Péter Magyar. The Hungarian side believes the agreement amounts to a green light for Hungary to access the EU funds, while the European Commission maintains that Hungary must first officially submit its plans. Von der Leyen is reportedly unwilling to meet Magyar until those documents are received, as she does not want to give the impression that unlocking the funds is a purely political gesture.
Magyar-von der Leyen meeting on the horizon
Politico also wrote that both sides are working towards a solution and that a meeting could take place once “Budapest has done its homework”.
A spokesperson for the Magyar cabinet said at a press conference today that securing the EU funds was one of Péter Magyar’s key commitments. Anita Köböl added that the previous Orbán government had put Hungary in a humiliating position.
Péter Magyar posted this evening that on Thursday, he would meet the NATO Secretary General and the Belgian Prime Minister in Brussels, and on Friday, he would hold talks with Ursula von der Leyen. He added that everyone was working to bring EU funds home.
If you missed our previous articles concerning how the Magyar government plans to bring home the frozen EU funds:
Moody’s drops bombshell forecast on Hungary: EU money may start flowing again
Hungarian FM Anita Orbán: Investigation of stolen EU funds can start in days
