Hungary's new government and the European Commission have struck a deal that puts the country on track to unlock €16.4 billion ($19 billion) in EU funds frozen over concerns about corruption and the rule of law during the rule of Viktor Orban.
Now, the government, led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, has until August 31 to make good on the pledges he made to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during their meeting on Friday.
These include commitments to structural reforms and anti-corruption measures, as well as steps to bolster academic freedom in Hungary.
When will Hungary receive the EU funds?
Friday’s deal does not guarantee that Hungary will get the money. “We haven’t agreed on disbursal," a senior EU official told journalists at a background briefing on Friday. "We have agreed on the conditions that need to be met."
