BUDAPEST, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Council of the European Union (EU) has approved the release of 4.2 billion euros (4.7 billion U.S. dollars) in previously frozen EU funds for Hungary, the Hungarian government announced on Tuesday.
The decision followed a September proposal by the European Commission, which acknowledged Hungary's progress in addressing concerns over corruption, transparency and the protection of EU financial interests.
The funds were originally suspended in December 2022 when the EU froze approximately 6.3 billion euros (7 billion U.S. dollars) in cohesion funding over rule-of-law concerns.
The Hungarian government said it had amended more than 100 pieces of legislation in recent months, strengthening anti-corruption safeguards, expanding the power of the Integrity Authority and introducing stricter transparency and conflict-of-interest regulations.
The bloc also lifts restrictions affecting Hungarian universities' participation in the Erasmus+ student exchange program and Horizon Europe research program. According to the government, the programs could resume in spring 2027, following the conclusion of the necessary agreements.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision on social media X. "I warmly welcome EU Council decision to adopt our proposal," she wrote, adding that "A new chapter starts today. For Hungary and for Europe."
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar also welcomed the development, highlighting the renewed opportunities for Hungarian students and researchers. ■