Budapest Post

Cum Deo pro Patria et Libertate
Budapest, Europe and world news

EU moves to cut $7.5bn funding for Hungary over corruption

EU moves to cut $7.5bn funding for Hungary over corruption

The 27-nation EU bloc has three months to decide on the suspension of funding for Hungary over charges of damaging democracy.

The European Union executive recommended suspending some 7.5 billion euros ($751bn) in funding for Hungary over corruption, the first such case in the 27-nation bloc under a new sanction meant to better protect the rule of law.

Relations between the EU and Hungary have been on thin ice for months as Brussels suspects that nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government is undercutting the rule of law and using EU money to enrich its cronies.

Two years ago, the EU introduced new financial sanctions in response to what it says amounts to the undermining of democracy in Poland and Hungary.

During more than a decade in power, Orban subdued courts, media, NGOs and academia, as well as restricting the rights of migrants, the LGBTQ+ community and women.

“It’s about breaches of the rule of law compromising the use and management of EU funds,” said EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn. “We cannot conclude that the EU budget is sufficiently protected.”




He highlighted systemic irregularities in Hungary’s public procurement laws, insufficient safeguards against conflicts of interest, weaknesses in effective prosecution and shortcomings in other anti-graft measures.

Hahn said the Commission was recommending the suspension of about a third of cohesion funds envisaged for Hungary from the bloc’s shared budget for 2021-27 worth a total of 1.1 trillion euros ($1.1 trillion).

The 7.5 billion euros ($7.5bn). in question amounts to 5 percent of the country’s estimated 2022 gross domestic product (GDP). EU countries now have up to three months to decide on the proposal.

Hahn said Hungary’s latest promise to address EU criticisms was a significant step in the right direction, but must still be translated into new laws and practical actions before the bloc would be reassured.

On Saturday, Hungary’s government said that MPs would vote next week on a series of laws aimed at easing the conflict. The measures are expected to include setting up independent anti-corruption watchdogs to monitor the use of EU funds as well as steps to make the legislative process more transparent.

Hahn said he was “very confident that … we will see significant reforms in Hungary, which indeed will be a game-changer.”




He said Hungary has committed to “fully inform” the commission about implementing measures to address their concerns by November 19.

Hungary’s Development Minister Tibor Navracsics, in charge of negotiations with the EU, said Hungary would meet all 17 of its commitments made to the European Commission to stave off the loss of any EU funding.

“Hungary did not make commitments to befuddle the Commission,” Navracsics told a news conference. “We have made commitments that we know can be implemented … therefore, we will not be facing a loss of funds.”

PM Orban, who calls himself a “freedom fighter” against the world view of the liberal West, denies that Hungary – an ex-communist country of some 10 million people – is any more corrupt than others in the EU.

On Thursday, the European Parliament declared that Hungary is no longer a “full democracy” and that the EU needs to act after a vote of 433 in favour and 123 against the resolution. Hungary reacted furiously to the vote and said it is an “insult against a Hungarian person”.

AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
0:00
0:00
Open
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
0:00
0:00
Close
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
U.S. Health Secretary Ends Select COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Trump Warns Putin Is 'Playing with Fire' Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
India and Pakistan Engage Trump-Linked Lobbyists to Influence U.S. Policy
U.S. Halts New Student Visa Interviews Amid Enhanced Security Measures
Trump Administration Cancels $100 Million in Federal Contracts with Harvard
SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Failure, Mars Mission Timeline Uncertain
King Charles Affirms Canadian Sovereignty Amid U.S. Statehood Pressure
EU Majority Demands Hungary Reverse Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws
Top Hotel Picks for 2025 Stays in Budapest Revealed
Iron Maiden Unveils 2025 Tour Setlist in Budapest
Chinese Film Week Opens in Budapest to Promote Cultural Exchange
Budapest Airport Launches Direct Flights to Shymkent
Von der Leyen Denies Urging EU Officials to Skip Budapest Pride
Alcaraz and Sinner Advance with Convincing Wins at Roland Garros
EU Ministers Lack Consensus on Sanctioning Hungary Over Rule of Law
EU Nations Urge Action Against Hungary's Pride Parade Ban
Putin's Helicopter Reportedly Targeted by Ukrainian Drones
U.S. Considers Withdrawing Troops from Europe
Russia Deploys Motorbike Squads in Ukraine Conflict
Critics Accuse European Court of Human Rights of Overreach
Spain Proposes 100% Tax on Non-EU Holiday Home Purchases
German Intelligence Labels AfD as Far-Right Extremist
Geert Wilders Threatens Dutch Coalition Over Migration Policy
Hungary Faces Multiple Challenges Amid EU Tensions and Political Shifts
Denmark Increases Retirement Age to 70, Setting a European Precedent
Any trade deal with US must be based on respect not threats', says EU commissioner
UK Leads in Remote Work Adoption, Averaging 1.8 Days a Week
Thirteen Killed in Russian Attacks Across Ukraine
High-Profile Incidents and Political Developments Dominate Global News
Netanyahu Accuses Western Leaders of 'Emboldening Hamas'
Ukraine and Russia Conduct Largest Prisoner Exchange of the War
The Daily Debate: The Fall of the Dollar — Strategic Reset or Economic Self-Destruction?
Trump Administration's Tariff Policies and Dollar Strategy Spark Global Economic Debate
Germany's Economic Outlook for 2025: Stagnation Amid Tariff Pressures and Investment Initiatives
OpenAI Acquires Jony Ive’s Startup for $6.5 Billion to Build a Revolutionary “Third Core Device”
Leaked Secret Report: How the Muslim Brotherhood Is Expanding in France—With Qatari Funding
BYD Surpasses Tesla in European Electric Vehicle Sales
Hungarian Official Sought Information on Orbán Opponents in USAID Meeting
University of Pécs and Danubiana Collaborate on Grape-Based Gin Innovation
UK Exposes Russian Cyber Campaign Targeting Ukraine Aid Networks
European Parliament Suspends Huawei Lobbyists Amid Corruption Probe
European Parliament Considers Lifting Immunity of Five MEPs in Huawei Investigation
UK and EU Reach Landmark Post-Brexit Deal to Reset Relations
President Biden’s announcement of advanced prostate cancer sparked public sympathy—but behind closed doors, Democrats are in panic
Trump Demands Probe into Kamala Harris for Paying Celebs to Fake Endorsements
U.S. Concerns Mount Over Chinese 'Kill Switch' Components Found in Solar Power Infrastructure
Diplomatic Efforts on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Injuries Reported
A Chinese company made solar tiles that look way nicer than regular panels!
×