Trending Now - EU Delegation Visits Hungary to Address Blocked Funds Issue

WHO:

ABC News World - European Union officials are meeting with Hungary's incoming leader Péter Magyar's team.

AP News - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is involved in discussions regarding Hungary's funding.

AP News - Zsolt Darvas, a fellow at the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, provided insights on Hungary's situation.

WHAT:

AP News - EU officials are discussing unlocking approximately 17 billion euros ($20 billion) of aid for Hungary.

AP News - The funds include 10 billion euros of COVID recovery funds and 6.3 billion euros in cohesion funds.

AP News - Hungary has already lost about 2 billion euros due to the suspension of funds over two years.

AP News - Hungary has been paying 1 million euros a day since June 13th, 2024, due to non-compliance with EU standards.

WHERE:

ABC News World - The meeting is taking place in Budapest, Hungary.

AP News - The European Commission is based in Brussels, Belgium.

WHEN:

AP News - The meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 17th, 2026.

AP News - Péter Magyar will take power in May 2026.

AP News - The COVID funds are set to expire in August 2026.

AP News - Hungary's election took place on April 12th, 2026.

WHY:

AP News - The EU froze funding to Hungary due to concerns over corruption and democratic backsliding during Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule.

AP News - Both the EU and Hungary's incoming leaders prioritize releasing the funds to support Hungary's struggling economy.

HOW:

AP News - Magyar's government plans to prioritize reforms affecting judicial independence, academic and media freedom, and anti-corruption to access the funds.

AP News - Legislative changes can be made quickly if there is political will from Magyar's party, Tisza.

(UPDATED April 17, 2026 13:23 UTC)

European Union officials are meeting with Hungary's incoming leader, Péter Magyar, in Budapest to discuss unlocking around 17 billion euros, or about 20 billion dollars, in aid for the country. This funding includes 10 billion euros in COVID recovery funds and 6.3 billion euros in cohesion funds, which Hungary has been unable to access due to concerns over corruption and democratic backsliding during Viktor Orbán's long tenure. Magyar's government is expected to focus on reforms related to judicial independence and anti-corruption to facilitate the release of these crucial funds, which are set to expire in August 20th26.