The EU Council ends the procedure against Hungary, unlocking access to €4.2 billion and European programs

The Council of the European Union decided on Tuesday to end the conditionality procedure launched against Hungary, a measure that allows Budapest to access an additional €4.2 billion and reopens Hungarian students’ and researchers’ participation in the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs.

The decision was announced by Hungary’s Permanent Representation to the European Union ahead of a press briefing. According to the statement, ending the procedure creates the conditions for restoring access to European education, research and innovation programs.

The conditionality procedure was linked to Brussels’ concerns regarding respect for the rule of law and the protection of the European Union’s budget. The mechanism allows European funds to be suspended or reduced when there is a risk that they could be affected by violations of the principles of the rule of law.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision in a message posted on the X platform. She said the decision opens a new chapter in relations between Hungary and the European Union. The new agreement allows Hungarian students and researchers to participate again in European programs and gives Budapest access to additional funds.