The EU has unlocked €4.2 billion (£3.5 billion) in EU funding for Hungary that had been blocked for nearly four years over corruption concerns involving former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The decision, announced on 13 October, restores Hungarian students’ and researchers’ access to the Horizon Europe research programme and Erasmus+ student exchanges programmes.
‘I warmly welcome @EUCouncil decision to adopt our proposal,’ stated European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, in a social media post. ‘A new chapter starts today.’
Academic freedom in the country had suffered significantly under more than a decade-and-a-half of rule by Orbán’s Fidesz party. But back in April academics in Hungary were optimistic that Orbán’s landslide electoral defeat by the opposition Tisza party – led by Péter Magyar – would translate into good news for Hungary’s universities.
Last month, the Commission proposed to the European Council the lifting of protective measures adopted against Hungary in 2022, as it considered whether the nation had addressed the rule of law breaches affecting the EU budget.
‘Hungarian students can once again study abroad through the Erasmus+ programme, and researchers can access EU funding for research and innovation,’ stated Hungary’s Prime Minister Magyar on social media.
The centrist European Democratic Party stated yesterday: ‘This is what happens when the rule of law is strengthened and European cooperation delivers concrete results for citizens. A new chapter for Hungary, a new chapter for Europe.’
Tisza MEP Viktor Weisz was also reportedly praised in the EU’s decision, suggesting that the Hungarian government’s meaningful reforms have allowed it to regain access to these opportunities. He is quoted as saying: ‘Erasmus Plus is not a privilege but a right, a chance to learn, grow and discover Europe.’
Unsurprisingly, Balázs Orbán, a lawyer and conservative political strategist who served as the political director to Viktor Orbán, had a different take. ‘Hungary’s new government has once again announced the return of frozen EU funds – for the umpteenth time,’ he said. ‘Brussels originally froze billions over alleged “rule-of-law” concerns. Now the money is said to be unlocked, but the requirements attached lead to the establishment of a total liberal authoritarian regime.’
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