Brussels:The European Commission has proposed that the Council of the European Union lift protective measures imposed on Hungary in 2022 under the Conditionality Regulation, noting that Budapest has addressed rule-of-law shortcomings affecting the EU budget.
According to Emirates News Agency, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Hungary has taken significant steps to strengthen the rule of law and safeguard the Union's financial interests. These reforms would enable Hungarian students and researchers to fully benefit from EU programmes once again.
If the proposal receives approval from the Council, it would release £4.2 billion in suspended Cohesion Policy commitments and restore access to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe for students and researchers at universities maintained by Hungarian public interest trusts.
The proposal is based on the Commission's assessment of remedial measures that Hungary notified on September 9, 2026, and their subsequent implementation.
The Commission acknowledged that Hungary has addressed previously identified issues in several areas, including public procurement, the anti-corruption framework, conflicts of interest, and prosecutorial action effectiveness.
Key measures taken by Hungary include enhancing the powers of its Integrity Authority, establishing a comprehensive asset-declaration system, increasing transparency, and reducing conflict-of-interest risks involving public interest trusts.
Additionally, Hungary has expanded judicial review of decisions by investigative and prosecution authorities and reinforced oversight of EU funds, public procurement, and public spending.
The Commission also highlighted Hungary's accession to the European Public Prosecutor's Office and new rules on beneficial ownership and public procurement as steps that further combat corruption and prevent conflicts of interest.
It concluded that the conditions for maintaining measures under the Conditionality Regulation are no longer justified. The Council now has one month from the Commission's proposal date to decide whether to lift the protective measures enforced in 2022.