European Commission Proposes Unlocking €4.2 Billion for Hungary and Restoring Erasmus+/Horizon Euro…

Key points

• The European Commission proposed to the Council to lift the protective measures adopted in 2022 concerning Hungary under the Conditionality Regulation, considering that Hungary has addressed the rule-of-law breaches affecting the EU budget.
• If adopted by the Council, the proposal would reinstate €4.2 billion in suspended cohesion policy commitments and restore access to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe for students and researchers from universities maintained by Hungarian Public Interest Trusts.
• The Commission assessed the remedies notified by Hungary on September 9, 2026, and their implementation, concluding that Hungary has addressed previously identified weaknesses in areas such as public procurement, the anti-corruption framework, risks of conflicts of interest, and the effectiveness of prosecutorial action.
• Hungary reinforced the powers of the Integrity Authority and its access to necessary data, established a comprehensive asset declaration system, increased transparency and addressed conflict-of-interest risks related to Public Interest Trusts, extended judicial review of decisions by investigative and prosecution authorities, and significantly strengthened controls over EU funding.
• Hungary's accession to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, together with new rules on beneficial ownership and public procurement, further strengthens its fight against corruption and prevention of conflicts of interest.
• The Council has one month from the Commission proposal to decide on lifting the protective measures adopted in 2022.