Hungary Loses EU Aid Due to Rule of Law Violations
Hungary will not receive 1.04 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in aid from the European Union due to its failure to meet rule of law requirements. The decision was made by the European Commission, which had been conditional on Hungary implementing reforms to bring the country into compliance with EU standards.
The aid package was meant to be implemented by the end of 2024, but Budapest failed to meet the requirements. This includes changes to laws on preventing conflicts of interest and fighting corruption. The European Commission said that Hungary’s failure to comply means it will not receive the funding.
This is the first time the EU has taken such action against a member country. In 2022, the EU initiated a “conditionality” procedure against Hungary over alleged violations of public procurement rules. Despite agreeing to implement reforms, 19 billion euros ($20 billion) in frozen funds remain untouched.
Hungary’s Relationship with Russia and Ukraine
Hungary is seen as being close to Russia and has repeatedly obstructed aid for Ukraine due to its position on the ongoing war. The country’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, told EU leaders that he plans to wait until a new US President takes office before deciding on an extension of sanctions against Russia.
Impact on Ukraine
The loss of EU aid for Hungary may have implications for Ukraine. In 2022, Ukraine conducted 11 prisoner exchanges and secured the return of 356 people. Since the start of 2024, at least 246 children from Kherson Oblast have been returned from Russian occupation.
Russian actions in the region continue to cause concern. The National Bank of Ukraine reported that one of its buildings had been damaged by falling debris. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that no one would give peace to his country as a gift, but he believed the United States would stand together with Ukraine as it fights to stop Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Security in Europe
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have expressed concerns about security in Europe. They called for efforts that result in peace, not just an aspiration.
Russian losses since the beginning of Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast are estimated to be over 38,000 troops and more than 1,000 pieces of equipment.
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