Hungary may be cut off from EU funds over Ukraine veto, MEPs warn
Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary (Getty Images)
A group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has called on the European Commission to suspend all funding to Hungary, citing violations of the EU's values and laws by Viktor Orbán's government. This is stated in a letter from 28 MEPs to the Commission, according to Der Standard.
"We urge the European Commission to increase pressure on Viktor Orbán's government to stop violating the values and laws of the EU," the MEPs wrote in a letter addressed to Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin.
The lawmakers justified their appeal by stating that the Hungarian authorities are undermining judicial independence and restricting freedom of assembly. The letter was signed by MEPs from across the political spectrum, including Greens, Social Democrats, Conservatives, Liberals, and the Left.
The letter also states that Hungary has made no real progress since 2022. At the same time, Budapest openly acknowledges that Orbán is using his veto power on Ukraine-related decisions as leverage to secure the release of frozen EU funds.
EU froze part of Hungary's funds
The European Union froze part of the funds allocated to Hungary back in 2022 due to concerns over a lack of oversight and transparency.
To unlock the funding, Budapest implemented a series of reforms, including the establishment of an Integrity Authority. As a result, some of the financial blockade was lifted — however, around €19 billion remains frozen.
Earlier this year, Hungary permanently lost €1 billion in EU funding that it could have received.
Notably, Hungary continues to use its veto power to block the start of accession talks for Ukraine to join the EU.
