Magyar’s EU fund push runs into Brussels reform reality

Brussels is cautiously engaging with Hungary’s new prime minister Péter Magyar to unlock roughly €10.4 billion in post-pandemic EU funds, insisting that concrete reforms — notably in judiciary, anti-corruption safeguards, and public procurement — must be completed before disbursement. While some progress is expected in talks ahead of a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, EU officials warn the process isn’t simple and a ruling by the European Court of Justice on a previous fund release could complicate matters; Hungary also faces the risk of constitutional friction if reforms threaten Orbán-era positions, complicating a potential break with Brussels. The situation mirrors Poland’s mixed track record and shows the EU’s preference to see real changes before releasing money.}