European Union has decided to unfreeze €10 billion in funds earmarked for Hungary, despite ongoing tensions between the EU and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government. The move comes amid threats from Orbán to veto the EU budget over concerns related to the rule-of-law mechanism.
Viktor Orbán is a vocal critic of EU policy towards Ukraine and Russia that he wants to be reconsidered.
The European Commission, based in Brussels, decided to release the funds after weeks of negotiations and increasing pressure to find a resolution to the deadlock. The funds were initially frozen due to concerns over Hungary’s adherence to the rule of law and democratic principles, a contentious issue that has strained relations between Orbán’s government and the EU.
Orbán had previously signaled his intent to use Hungary’s veto power to block the EU budget, which would have significant consequences for the entire European Union. The rule-of-law mechanism, which ties access to EU funds to respect for the rule of law, has been a sticking point in the negotiations, with Hungary and Poland opposing what they perceive as an infringement on their national sovereignty.
In response to Brussels’ decision to release the funds, Prime Minister Orbán’s government issued a statement expressing both satisfaction and continued determination to address the broader concerns over the rule-of-law mechanism. The statement emphasized the need for a fair and objective assessment of Hungary’s legal system and governance practices.
