Budapest aims to mend its strained relationship with Brussels following long-standing conflicts under former leader Viktor Orbán.
Magyar, whose centrist party recently won Hungary’s election, is working to access billions in EU funds frozen due to violations of EU laws under Orbán’s 16-year governance.
Securing €10.4 billion in EU post-pandemic recovery funds is the top priority for the Magyar administration, according to Foreign Minister Orbán, who is not related to the former leader, as reported by POLITICO.
The European Commission stated that releasing the funds depends on Hungary implementing specific reforms. Budapest is diligently working to meet the criteria required for accessing these funds, which must be formally requested by August 31.
Magyar mentioned a “political agreement” on the unfreezing of funds, yet a Commission official noted to POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook that some technical issues persist.
The new Hungarian leader met with von der Leyen in Brussels in April to initiate discussions for unlocking the funds ahead of the deadline.
On Thursday, Magyar is scheduled to hold discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels, as confirmed by the alliance. He is also set to meet Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, according to a Belgian government official.
Camille Gijs contributed reporting.
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