Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar will travel to Brussels next week. He will meet European Commission officials. The talks will focus on frozen EU funds. The goal is to unlock billions in support for Hungary. The visit comes after a recent election change in the country. Officials say the talks are key for economic growth and public spending plans. Hungary hopes to restore full access to EU recovery support.
The issue of EU money has been a long dispute. The European Union froze funds over rule of law concerns. These concerns were raised during the long rule of Viktor Orbán. His government faced criticism over corruption and legal standards. Now the new government wants to fix relations with Brussels. The dispute has also affected trust between Budapest and EU institutions in recent years. Many EU leaders have linked funding to legal reforms and stronger oversight. Talks continue at all levels.
Foreign Minister Anita Orbán confirmed the planned trip at the GLOBSEC conference in Prague. GLOBSEC Conference She said talks have already started at expert level. She said the focus is on a €10.4 billion recovery fund. This money is part of EU post-pandemic support. She highlighted that cooperation with the EU remains important for economic stability. The meeting included policy experts and government advisors.
The frozen funds are only part of a larger package. Hungary is also seeking other EU payments. Officials say the total support could be much higher. But unlocking the recovery money is now urgent. There is a deadline for applications in late August. Payments must be approved by the end of the year. Officials warned that delays could affect investment plans and public projects in Hungary. The EU has strict rules for how recovery funds must be used.
Magyar’s government must meet EU conditions. These are called “super milestones.” They include stronger rule of law systems. They also include better control of public spending. The aim is to reduce corruption risks. The government says these reforms match its election promises. The reforms are also linked to improving transparency in government contracts. Officials say this will help reduce misuse of public money.
Anita Orbán said Hungary supports transparency reforms. She said public money must be protected. She also said the government will act against corruption. She claimed early legal actions may start soon. She said this is part of restoring trust in the state. She said cooperation with EU partners depends on clear progress in reforms. The ministry expects stronger accountability systems in coming months.
The EU has linked the funds to governance standards. The European Commission says money must be used correctly. It also says legal rules must be respected. Hungary must show clear reforms before funds are released. Talks between both sides are ongoing. Brussels continues to monitor rule of law developments closely in Hungary. Further decisions will depend on reform progress.
Hungary also wants access to defense loans under the SAFE program. SAFE program Officials say a new proposal will be submitted. The earlier plan was not accepted. The government says it will adjust its defense strategy. It also wants to meet NATO needs. The SAFE program is designed to support European defense cooperation and funding. Hungary says it will align proposals with NATO standards.
Anita Orbán also said Hungary will focus on national security needs. She said defense spending must match modern risks. She also said energy policy will stay flexible. Hungary wants stable energy prices and supply. Russia and Ukraine issues remain sensitive topics. The government says energy security remains a top national priority.
On Ukraine, Hungary says minority rights must be solved first. Only then can EU talks move forward. On Russia, the government wants energy options. It says decisions must be based on national interest. Officials say they want independence in energy policy. Hungary says EU accession talks for Ukraine depend on political conditions. Diplomatic discussions continue between both sides.
The new government has also promised stronger anti-corruption action. It says investigations may begin soon. It claims public funds were misused in past years. It wants to recover trust with EU partners. This is part of wider political change after the election. The government aims to rebuild confidence with European partners through reforms. Officials say accountability is a central goal.
