Péter Magyar, the winner of the Hungarian legislative elections held on April 12, 2026, announced that he has reached a preliminary understanding with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to unfreeze approximately 17 billion euros in EU funds. Following their meeting in Brussels, Magyar stated that he plans to return the week of May 25 to finalize a political agreement, aiming to secure the funds for the Hungarian people as quickly as possible.
The incoming Prime Minister, who ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule with a landslide victory for his Tisza Party, emphasized that the European Union is not imposing any conditions that conflict with Hungary’s national interests. The blocked funds include 10 billion euros from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)—which are time-sensitive and set to expire on August 31—and 7 billion euros from cohesion policy funds.
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Ursula von der Leyen characterized the discussion as “very good,” noting that both parties are focused on the steps required to resolve long-standing concerns regarding corruption and the rule of law.
She affirmed that the Commission will work closely with Magyar’s team to “realign” Hungary with European values. In addition to the primary funds, the talks are also expected to touch upon another 17 billion euro loan under the SAFE defense program and Hungary’s return to the Erasmus student-exchange scheme.
