“We have sufficient guarantees to say that the independence of the judiciary in Hungary will be strengthened,” European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders responded to the decision to release the 10 billion in cohesion funds. “We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and respond quickly if there is any deterioration,” he further said. The cohesion funds are intended to provide financial support to poorer Member States, including Hungary.
In addition to this sum, there are tens of millions of euros in other funds to which Hungary is in principle entitled, but the distribution of which has been frozen. To obtain the money, the country must first implement certain reforms. This concerns, for example, better respect for academic freedom and European asylum agreements. The payment of 10 billion is in addition to the 920 million euros that Hungary recently received as an advance for making its energy sector more sustainable.
LOOK. Hungarian leader Viktor Orban does not want an extra 50 billion euros for Ukraine
The Commission’s decision comes at a remarkable time. For example, the heads of government of the EU countries will meet for three days from tonight to consider a support package of 50 billion euros for Ukraine. In addition, the start of negotiations on possible EU membership of Ukraine will be discussed. All EU countries must agree to the issues, but Hungarian leader Viktor Orban is obstructive.
According to observers, the Commission hopes to appease Orban with the decision, although the body itself maintains that it is simply following the rules.