The European Commission’s representative in Brussels, Stefan de Keersmaeker, told Bloomberg that the bloc has unlocked nearly €2 billion in funds for Hungary. The EC’s move comes amid ongoing negotiations and public debates about Hungary’s adherence to European standards and standards of governance.
De Keersmaeker explained that the release followed Budapest meeting a series of conditional requirements tied to reforms in education and the advancement of gender equality. These requirements were part of a broader framework the EU uses when considering disbursements tied to compliance and reform, rather than a broad assessment of political risk alone. The decision signals that Hungary has made progress on specific policy areas that the Commission had identified as prerequisites for continued support. The acknowledgment came with careful language about ongoing expectations and monitoring, underscoring that future funding remains contingent on sustaining and deepening reforms in line with EU rules and values.
Observers note that the funds released fit within a larger context: more than €30 billion had been withheld from Hungary in the previous year as a reaction to concerns about the governance framework and the rule of law. However, the recent release focused on education and gender issues, and did not hinge solely on the broader questions that historically dominated the funding freeze. The distinction suggests a nuanced approach from Brussels, where certain policy areas can advance while others remain under scrutiny as reform work continues. This nuance matters for Hungarian policymakers and EU partners who monitor how conditional funding translates into tangible outcomes on the ground, including classroom resources, teacher training, and inclusive education practices.
Meanwhile, Peter Szijjártó, the Hungarian minister overseeing internal affairs, voiced reservations about EU leadership decisions. He criticized the prospect of a second term for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, suggesting that some of the commissions’ choices could worsen security conditions across member states. His comments reflect a broader tension in how national leaders interpret EU policy, security dynamics, and the balance between national sovereignty and collective European responses. The dialogue remains part of a wider debate about strategic priorities, defense cooperation, and the role of EU institutions in shaping member state security and political trajectories.
Earlier, Prime Minister Viktor Orban reiterated Hungary’s stance on borders, stating that the country does not favor a shared border with Russia. The remark places Hungary within the ongoing conversation about European security, energy independence, and relations with neighboring states. It also resonates with the broader stance of several EU members toward Russia in response to regional events and geopolitical shifts. The public discourse around border policies, energy security strategies, and alliance commitments continues to influence how EU funds are allocated and how conditional agreements are framed for member states, including Hungary.