Hungary has submitted its revised Recovery and Resilience Plan to unlock billions of frozen EU funds, but MEPs are keen to make sure the post-Orbán disbursement can be properly scrutinised.
Hungary has submitted its revised Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) to the European Commission, a spokesperson confirmed to Euronews, in a crucial step towards unlocking billions of euros in EU funds frozen over corruption concerns under the previous government.
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Now-prime minister Péter Magyar won April's general election, ending Viktor Orbán's 16 years of rule. Brussels had suspended the funds during Orbán's tenure over concerns about corruption and the rule of law.
Magyar agreed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen two weeks ago to release €16.4 billion of funds to Hungary. Of that sum, €10 billion falls under the EU's post-pandemic Recovery and Resilience Facility, which expires if funds are not drawn down by the end of August.
"We can confirm that Hungary has formally submitted its updated Recovery and Resilience Plan," Commission spokesperson Balázs Ujvári said.
The contents of the revised plan were not disclosed. Magyar had previously said it would include energy infrastructure projects, railway reconstruction and housing.
Hungary must now fulfil a complex set of criteria – including 27 "supermilestones" covering rule-of-law and anti-corruption measures – before it can access the money.
"The revised Hungarian RRP contains reforms in a wide range of areas, including addressing corruption and rule-of-law concerns," Ujvári added. "The plan also includes investments that will support key sectors such as energy, housing, transport and SMEs."
The plan is due to be adopted by the Council in July. In the meantime, the Hungarian government has submitted a package of draft laws and amendments to parliament to meet the EU's conditions on anti-corruption and rule of law.
The measures include changes to the governance of public-interest foundations and an extension of the mandate of Hungary's anti-corruption body, the Integrity Authority.
Hungary is also introducing prison terms for public servants who violate asset declaration rules. Parliament is expected to vote on the legislation under a fast-track procedure.
European Parliament demands more transparency
The European Parliament's Budgetary Control Committee has invited several EU commissioners to a hearing on the release of the frozen funds, scheduled for 14 July.
Several MEPs on the committee, which oversees EU spending, are demanding transparency over the political deal between the Commission and Hungary.
German Green MEP Daniel Freund described the meeting between von der Leyen and Magyar as a public relations exercise.
"After years of systemic corruption and economic hardship, Hungary undoubtedly needs these funds," Freund said. "And Magyar is eager to secure an early win, I understand that. But following the joint press conference between Magyar and von der Leyen – a carefully orchestrated PR event – we still lack concrete details."
He called for clarity on what commitments Hungary has made, and whether the Commission has shifted its criteria for releasing the money.
"Both von der Leyen and Magyar insist an agreement has been reached. Now, Parliament is demanding clarity. This isn't small change – it's €16 billion of taxpayers' money," Freund added.
The European Commission has yet to publish any written documentation on its agreement with Hungary regarding the release of the funds.