Members of the European Parliament from Fidesz-KDNP have issued a call for the immediate and unconditional release of European Union funds that have been withheld from Hungary. The Hungarian representatives highlighted that approximately €6.3 billion, linked to three of Hungary’s operational programs, was frozen in 2022. This amount constitutes around 55% of the funds initially allocated to these programs. In addition, they are advocating for the release of funds from the EU’s post-pandemic Recovery and Resilience Facility, as well as Hungary’s broader cohesion funds.
The Hungarian MEPs expressed concerns that the European institutions are withholding a portion of the funds for political motives, despite Hungary having negotiated approximately €22 billion in additional cohesion funding in 2020. They are also proposing an increase of €11 billion to the EU budget for 2027, which includes an additional €2.5 billion earmarked for the Common Agricultural Policy. This proposed increase aims to provide more substantial support for young farmers, the wine industry, and beekeeping initiatives.
Additionally, members of the Patriots for Europe group, hailing from Hungary, have suggested doubling the EU agricultural crisis fund from its current €450 million to €900 million. This proposal comes in response to recent drought-related crop losses and the escalating costs faced by livestock farmers. The Hungarian MEPs are also advocating for enhanced funding for border protection, a reimbursement of Hungary’s border-control expenses, and a reassessment of the EU migration pact.
Furthermore, they are calling for the restoration of Erasmus funding for Hungarian university students who have been impacted by restrictions on their participation in the program. In another significant move, the Fidesz-KDNP delegation has proposed a reduction of €250 million in EU funding allocated to civil society organizations, arguing against what they perceive as politically motivated pressure being exerted on member states.