Hungary Sees Deal Near to Help Unlock €28 Billion in EU Funds
- ‘No political questions remain,’ Orban envoy says in interview
- Hungary hopes for payment of recovery funds in third quarter
The flags of the European Union and Hungary.
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Hungary said it’s near an agreement with the European Union that would bring it a step closer toward accessing almost €28 billion ($30.5 billion) in funds frozen over concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights.
The EU’s executive arm is expected to respond to Hungarian proposals on key judicial reforms early next week, according to Janos Boka, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s envoy to the EU. If approved, they could be ratified by Hungary’s parliament in mid-April, clearing a major hurdle toward unlocking 5.8 billion euros from the EU’s pandemic recovery plan in the second half of this year.