Brussels, June 2026 – The European Commission has announced that Hungary’s progress under its new government has unlocked more than €16 billion in EU funding and paved the way for the country’s return to the Erasmus+ academic cooperation programme.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement after meeting Hungary’s new minister Péter Magyar on May 29, praising the government’s “big step forward” in protecting fundamental rights, particularly academic freedom.
The EU had previously frozen funding to Hungary, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, due to concerns over governance and institutional autonomy under former prime minister Viktor Orbán. Von der Leyen confirmed that Hungary will phase out the controversial Public Interest Trusts and pass legislation addressing conflicts of interest and integrity rules.
With reforms underway, Hungarian students are expected to rejoin the Erasmus community as early as the next academic year. Research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva also welcomed Hungary’s renewed commitment to academic freedom and scientific cooperation, signaling a path toward full participation in Horizon Europe.
Von der Leyen described the April 12 election, which ended Orbán’s 16-year rule, as ushering in a “strong wind of change.” She commended the new government’s determination to restore the rule of law, fight corruption, and revive economic growth.
Minister Magyar echoed the sentiment, stating: “The only price for securing the 6,000 billion forints in EU funding was the complete elimination of Orbán-era corruption. We delivered. And we did so gladly.”
The release of EU funds marks a significant milestone in Hungary’s democratic restoration, reinforcing its role in European academic and research collaboration while strengthening its economic recovery.
