The European Union has issued a warning to Hungary, stating that it must implement necessary reforms by the end of 2024 to address issues related to conflicts of interest and corruption. This ultimatum comes as part of the EU's conditionality proceedings initiated in 2022, which aimed to block payments due to alleged violations of public procurement rules.
Despite Hungary's agreement to undertake reforms, a significant sum of €19 billion ($20 billion) remains frozen, as the EU has determined that Hungary has not adhered to its standards regarding transparency and democratic governance. A report from the European Commission released in July indicated that Hungary continues to fall short of EU democratic standards, particularly in areas such as corruption, political financing, and media independence.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has maintained a strong grip on the political landscape in Hungary, aligning closely with leaders such as US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban has expressed a commitment to safeguarding Hungary's financial interests amidst ongoing tensions with the EU.