EU, Hungarian premier-elect hold talks on rule of law-linked funds

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Hungary's Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar discussed the release of EU funds frozen over rule of law and corruption concerns on Wednesday.

Von der Leyen said on US social media platform X that the two held a "very good exchange" in Brussels, focusing on "the steps necessary to unlock EU funds earmarked for Hungary."

"(The European Commission) will support your work to address these issues and realign with shared European values. Our teams will continue to work closely together. For a prosperous Hungary at the heart of our shared European home," she said.

Magyar, posting on Facebook, described the meeting as "extremely constructive and productive," saying both sides agreed he would return to Brussels in the week of May 25 to conclude a political agreement aimed at restoring Hungary's access to EU funding.

"I would like to reassure everyone that the European Union is not imposing any conditions that would be contrary to our country’s interests," he wrote.

"In a nutshell: EU funds will soon arrive in Hungary, and with the help of these funds, we will be able to jump-start the Hungarian economy and carry out the developments necessary for a functioning and humane country," Magyar added.

He is also expected to hold a meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa later today.

The tension between the EU and Hungary began in 2010, when the bloc accused Viktor Orban's government of promoting conservative policies that go against EU rules.

Later, the EU decided to initiate Article 7 proceedings, increasing its criticism over corruption, press freedom, and human rights, and EU funding was made conditional due to rule-of-law concerns.

Magyar's Tisza party won against Orban in the April 12 parliamentary elections, ending Orban’s 16-year rule.