In the legal dispute with the European Union, Hungary can expect the release of billions in financial aid from Brussels. The European Commission could release up to ten billion euros that are frozen in the rule of law dispute with Hungary, as EU officials in Brussels said today.
This represents almost half of all total blocked funds. However, Hungary still has to meet requirements to do so. “We see significant reforms and believe that these contribute to the independence of the judiciary,” he said in Brussels.
Judicial reform must first come into force
Right-wing nationalist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban initiated judicial reform in the spring under pressure from the EU. Among other things, it provides for the protection of the country’s highest courts against political influence and the strengthening of the National Judicial Council as a supervisory body.
“The maximum amount that can be released is ten billion euros,” said the EU source. For this to happen, however, the justice law must be approved by parliament in Budapest and must be “signed and published”, that is, it must legally come into force.
Warning Voices
Orbán even demanded more than 13 billion euros from Brussels. However, releasing the funds would be a victory for EU critics. The four main pro-European groups in the European Parliament, from the Conservatives to the Greens, warned President Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission against such a move.
They pointed out serious deficiencies that not even judicial reform can resolve. For example, the irregularly appointed President of the Supreme Court of Hungary would remain in office, possibly for life.