Hungary could be required to return 10 billion euros to the European Commission

Hungary is facing the risk of returning 10 billion euros to the European Commission, after a legal advisor of the European Court requested the cancellation of the unlocking of these funds. This decision was made following a complaint from the European Parliament, which accuses the Commission of violating its own rules, considering that the funds had been suspended due to concerns related to the rule of law in Hungary. MEPs believe that the unlocking was a political maneuver, carried out before an important summit, when the cooperation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was necessary for aid to Ukraine.

The opinion of the Advocate General Tamara Āapeta, which recommends the cancellation of the unlocking, will influence the final decision of the Court, expected in a few months. If the decision is in favor of the European Parliament, the Commission could request the return of the funds, and in case of non-compliance with this obligation, it could reduce other payments due to Hungary. This situation could set an important precedent regarding the assessment of violations of the rule of law in the EU, in the context of the Common Provisions Regulation. MEPs emphasize that European funds must be conditioned on respect for fundamental values and the rule of law, warning that the unlocking of these funds was illegal and politically motivated.