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European Commission and Hungary's Incoming Government Collaborate to Unlock EU Funds

European Commission and Hungary's Incoming Government Collaborate to Unlock EU Funds

The European Commission has initiated talks with Hungary's incoming government, led by the Tisza Party, to release frozen European funds designated for Hungary. This development follows a high-level delegation visit to Budapest, marking the first informal contact between Brussels and Hungary's future government. The discussions aim to unlock billions in recovery funds before an end-of-August deadline. The Commission has previously blocked €17 billion of the €27 billion earmarked for Hungary due to concerns over corruption and rule-of-law deficiencies. Hungary is also seeking an additional €17 billion from the EU's joint defense borrowing instrument, SAFE, to modernize its defense industry. The immediate focus is on the €10.4 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which Hungary risks losing without an agreement by the end of August.

European Commission Engages Hungary to Unfreeze €17 Billion in EU Funds

European Commission Engages Hungary to Unfreeze €17 Billion in EU Funds

The European Commission is actively engaging with Hungary's incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar to unfreeze €17 billion in EU funds that have been frozen due to concerns over corruption and rule-of-law issues during Viktor Orbán's tenure. Magyar's Tisza party has recently increased its parliamentary majority, which strengthens his mandate to implement necessary democratic reforms. These reforms are crucial for Hungary to meet 27 EU-mandated conditions, known as 'super milestones', which include changes to procurement rules, judicial independence, and academic freedom. Over the weekend, Magyar and his future ministers held discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s chief of staff and other officials to outline a roadmap for releasing the funds and to discuss a €90 billion loan to Ukraine that was previously vetoed by Orbán.

Hungary's Incoming PM Pétér Magyar Seeks Polish Support to Mend EU Relations

Hungary's Incoming PM Pétér Magyar Seeks Polish Support to Mend EU Relations

Pétér Magyar, Hungary's incoming Prime Minister, is seeking to strengthen ties with Poland to help restore Hungary's relations with the European Union. Magyar aims to draw on Poland's recent experience in reversing years of illiberal governance to improve Hungary's state institutions and rule of law. This move comes after years of democratic backsliding under Viktor Orbán's leadership. Magyar plans to collaborate closely with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who has successfully navigated similar challenges in Poland. The partnership is expected to play a crucial role in reintegrating Hungary into mainstream European politics and addressing issues such as corruption and judicial independence.

EU hosts Palestinian peace conference as it seeks greater sway in the Middle East

EU hosts Palestinian peace conference as it seeks greater sway in the Middle East

Europe is focusing on the Palestinians after Hungary's election defeat of Israel ally Viktor Orbán

Bulgarians head to the polls to elect a parliament for the eighth time in 5 years

Bulgarians head to the polls to elect a parliament for the eighth time in 5 years

Bulgarians are heading to the polls for the eighth time in five years hoping to finally elect a parliament that would be capable of resolving the prolonged political impasse that has gripped the country for years

EU hosts Gaza peace conference as it seeks greater sway in Middle East

EU hosts Gaza peace conference as it seeks greater sway in Middle East

More than 60 nations have sent representatives to Brussels to discuss stability, security and long-term peace in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa

Rumen Radev, Russia-friendly ex-fighter pilot, sweeps Bulgaria's election

Rumen Radev, Russia-friendly ex-fighter pilot, sweeps Bulgaria's election

By Edward McAllister and Alex Lefkowitz SOFIA, April 20 (Reuters) - When Rumen Radev stepped down from his role as president of Bulgaria in January to run in Sunday's parliamentary election, he urged voters to ditch the "corrupt officials, conspirators and extremists" that he said were running the

While Trump lashes out at Spain, US Democrats join a progressive rally in Barcelona

While Trump lashes out at Spain, US Democrats join a progressive rally in Barcelona

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has hosted two events in Barcelona to rally progressive leaders from around the world who fear for the liberal order

Bulgaria's Kremlin-friendly ex-president set for landslide election win

Bulgaria's Kremlin-friendly ex-president set for landslide election win

(Refiles to fix story link in paragraph 6, no change to text) SOFIA, April 20 (Reuters) - Pro-Russian former President Rumen Radev is set for a runaway victory in Bulgaria's election, official results showed, potentially ending years of weak coalition governments and sidelining long-dominant

Hungary's Orbán Calls for Party Renewal After Election Defeat

Hungary's Orbán Calls for Party Renewal After Election Defeat

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced the need for a 'complete renewal' of his Fidesz party following a significant election loss. The defeat ended Orbán's 16-year tenure, with the center-right Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Despite speculation about his resignation, Orbán has indicated he will remain active in restructuring the party. The election results have prompted discussions about the future direction of Fidesz and its role in Hungarian politics. Magyar, a former Orbán ally, has pledged to improve Hungary's relations with the European Union and NATO.

Hungary's Incoming PM Seeks Polish Support to Renew EU Relations Post-Orbán

Hungary's Incoming PM Seeks Polish Support to Renew EU Relations Post-Orbán

Péter Magyar, the newly elected Prime Minister of Hungary, is seeking to strengthen ties with Poland to aid in restoring Hungary's relations with the European Union. This move comes after years of strained relations under Viktor Orbán's leadership, characterized by democratic backsliding and clashes with the EU. Magyar aims to draw on Poland's recent experience in reversing illiberal policies and unlocking EU funds. He plans to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate corruption during Orbán's tenure. Magyar's first foreign visit will be to Warsaw, signaling a special relationship with Poland, which recently underwent a similar political transition.