No EU funds for Hungary until government completes reforms

The EPP Group welcomes the Resolution adopted by the European Parliament today, which assesses the undermining of the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary. The EPP Group urges the Hungarian Government to immediately complete the reforms such as preventing corruption and ensuring an independent judiciary. At the same time, the EPP Group calls on the European Commission to not release the frozen EU funds until the remedial measures are fully in place.

“The frozen funds cannot be released without endangering the EU Budget. The Commission should find a legal way for funds to reach the Hungarian people directly, bypassing Orbán's control”, said Petri Sarvamaa MEP, EPP Group Spokesman on Budgetary Control.

The recent fact-finding mission of the Budgetary Control Committee to Hungary uncovered significant contradictions between different parties' statements, including state officials, and the actual situation on the ground. According to the EPP Group, the harsh reality is that Hungary has still not taken the necessary action.

The Resolution adopted today also questions how Hungary can credibly take up its Council Presidency in 2024.

“How can a country that consistently obstructs sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine, manage to maintain unity among the Member States of the European Union in the current global political situation? Additionally, considering Hungary's own significant issues regarding adherence to the rule of law, one might question its credibility to intervene constructively in developments concerning the EU’s fundamental values”, said Sarvamaa.