Hungary’s Hardball Tactics in Failed Airport Bid Raised With EU
- Airport’s owners cite pressure campaign after refusing sale
- Orban is preparing to submit plans to spend recovery-fund cash
The departures terminal at Liszt Ferenc airport in Budapest.
Photographer: Akos Stiller/BloombergThe operator of Budapest airport has raised concerns with the European Union about what it characterizes as undue pressure from Hungary’s government, just as Prime Minister Viktor Orban is applying for billions of euros in pandemic-recovery funds.
Orban is visiting Brussels on Friday for talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on a broader ranger of issues. In the runup to that meeting, the commission has been briefed on concerns by AviAlliance, a German-based airport management company which is also the biggest shareholder in the hub, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified as the discussions are private. Singapore sovereign-wealth fund GIC and a Canadian fund hold minority stakes.