EC Delegation in Budapest to Discuss Frozen EU Funding

A high-level delegation from the European Commission met with senior representatives of the incoming Hungarian government and held technical meetings with them in Budapest on April 17-18, the European Union's executive body said on Sunday.

"The meetings were an early opportunity for practical discussions on how to move forward and make real progress to unlock EU funds earmarked for Hungary, that are frozen due to corruption and rule of law concerns. This necessary work will continue," the EC said.

The meetings were organised following contacts between EC President Ursula von der Leyen and the incoming Hungarian prime minister, Péter Magyar, "and commitment on both sides to start work on various urgent topics", the EC added.

"During this round of talks, I made it clear that the Tisza government is beginning its work with unprecedented legitimacy and, at the same time, a strong sense of responsibility. I emphasized that the Hungarian people's decision represents a tremendous opportunity for both Hungary and Europe," Péter Magyar said in a statement following the talks.

"I firmly stated that the billions of euros in EU funds rightfully belong to Hungary and the Hungarian people. Without these funds, it will not be possible to kickstart the Hungarian economy," he said.

"EU funding is not charity, but a fair return for the contributions made by Hungarians to the Union and for the work Hungary has done for Europe," he added.

"At the beginning of the negotiations, I informed our partners of the Tisza Party's commitments to the Hungarian people: anti-corruption measures, Hungary's accession to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and the restoration of the independence and freedom of the judiciary, the press, and higher education," the incoming Hungarian prime minister said.

"We intend to fully implement these commitments once in government, just as we will fulfill our promise to bring home the EU funds that belong to the Hungarian people," he added.