Hungary has regained access to €4.2 billion from European Union funds after the official end of the EU’s rule-of-law conditionality procedure on October 13, 2026. The decision follows reforms implemented by the government of Prime Minister Péter Magyar focused on combating corruption and protecting the EU’s financial interests. Hungarian universities and research institutions will also regain full access to the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs. <Cite refs={[“turn967523search0″,”turn967523search1″,”turn990310search3”]}/>
Hungary Unlocks Billions After Implementing Reforms
The rule-of-law conditionality procedure was introduced in 2022 as a response to concerns in Hungary over the state of the judiciary, corruption, and transparency in public procurement. Its primary aim was to safeguard the EU’s budget from possible misuse of European funds.
In recent months, the new Hungarian government under Péter Magyar adopted a set of measures targeting issues previously raised by European institutions. The assessment of these reforms opened the path for ending the mechanism and releasing the previously frozen funds.
This represents a significant financial development for Budapest. The funds, from the EU’s cohesion policy, are designated to support regional development, infrastructure, and various projects within member states.
Universities Rejoin Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe
The end of the conditionality procedure also has major implications for Hungarian higher education institutions, students, and research centers. The country now regains full access to the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs.
Erasmus+ primarily supports international educational mobility and cooperation between schools and universities, while Horizon Europe provides funding for research, innovation, and international scientific projects.
Restoring full participation could make it easier for Hungarian institutions to collaborate with foreign partners and take part in projects financed through European sources. At the same time, much will depend on how the Hungarian government implements the new rules in practice.
Not All EU Funds Are Unblocked Yet
The release of €4.2 billion does not mean Hungary gains automatic access to all previously frozen funds. Some resources remain blocked under other EU mechanisms and conditions.
In September, the European Commission noted that restrictions still apply in areas such as academic freedom, the protection of LGBTIQ+ rights, asylum policy, and measures to support social inclusion. Access to recovery and resilience funds is being assessed separately. <Cite refs={[“turn967523search4″,”turn967523search6”]}/>
Budapest will therefore need to continue fulfilling additional conditions to receive the remaining funds. The total amount Hungary can access will depend on the results of further evaluations and compliance with EU rules.
Changes Include Revised Child Protection Law
On Tuesday, the Hungarian parliament approved an amendment to the child protection law, replacing the controversial 2021 legislation. The original law had been criticized by the then-opposition, European institutions, and NGOs for its impact on the rights of LGBTIQ+ people.
This has been one of the main contentious issues between Budapest and Brussels. While the conditionality procedure has now ended, other financial restrictions related to compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights are assessed separately.
This development shows that releasing one batch of funds does not automatically resolve all disputes between Hungary and European institutions.
Péter Magyar Aims to Restore Relations with Brussels
After taking office, Péter Magyar focused on improving relations with the European Union and on unblocking funds that had been frozen over the previous period. Transparency and anti-corruption reforms are among the key priorities of his government.
The release of €4.2 billion stands as a concrete achievement of these reforms. However, the further course of developments will depend on whether Hungary meets the remaining conditions and whether the adopted reforms deliver the expected results.
For more on the new Hungarian government’s next steps, see the article “Hungary establishes new asset recovery office as Péter Magyar’s government promises a tougher stance on corruption.”
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
