Hungary’s incoming leadership says resolving the dispute over Hungary’s frozen EU funds is now a top priority, as Peter Magyar’s Tisza Party moves quickly to repair ties with Brussels after its election victory.
Peter Magyar said on Monday that his incoming government wants to unlock frozen European Union funds within a short period after recent technical talks with EU officials in Budapest. His Tisza Party won 141 seats in the 199-member National Assembly in the April 12 parliamentary elections, giving it a commanding majority.
Speaking in Budapest, Magyar said his team aims to meet key EU requirements within three months. He pointed to reforms in anti-corruption measures, media freedom, and judicial independence as core areas where Hungary plans to align with the European Commission’s expectations.
He also said he wants to conclude a political agreement with the European Commission between May 15 and May 20, describing the return of EU funds as vital to stabilising the Hungarian economy.
Incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar says that Hungary is halting its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which means Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be taken into custody if he travels to the country. pic.twitter.com/5H3aoT553E
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) April 21, 2026The European Commission said a high-level delegation held technical meetings in Budapest on April 17 and 18 with representatives of the incoming Hungarian government. According to the Commission, the talks offered an early opportunity to explore practical steps to unlock funds frozen over rule-of-law and corruption concerns.
However, Brussels also stressed that more work remains to be done. That cautious tone suggests momentum may be building, but a final breakthrough will depend on whether Hungary can deliver the reforms the Commission expects.
Magyar has linked the release of EU funds directly to the country’s economic outlook. He said restoring access to the money is crucial for stabilising the economy and rebuilding investor confidence after years of tension with the EU.
With a strong parliamentary majority, Tisza is in a position to push through major legislative changes quickly. That could allow the new government to move faster than previous administrations on reforms tied to transparency, judicial autonomy, and press freedom.
The funding talks are emerging as one of the first major tests for Hungary’s post-election transition. Magyar’s message is clear: his government wants a fast reset with Brussels and sees that effort as central to restoring economic confidence at home.
Whether that plan succeeds will depend on both speed and trust. Hungary may now have the political strength to act, but the European Commission will decide whether the promised steps are enough to unlock the frozen money.
