EU funds resume for Hungary as leaders mark 1956 uprising anniversary

In Budapest’s parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that Hungary can now receive EU money again, citing recent reforms such as stronger anti-corruption legislation, improved public-spending transparency and participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. She announced the reinstatement of Hungary’s access to the Horizon Europe research programme and full participation in Erasmus, and suggested additional funding from NextGenerationEU and academic-freedom resources could be released by the end of 2026.

European Council President António Costa linked the 1956 revolution’s legacy to today’s need for vigilant democracies, emphasizing that European integration must coexist with national sovereignty and cultural diversity. Costa also highlighted that Hungary’s economy has nearly tripled since 2004, with salaries rising fivefold and the majority of trade now occurring within the EU. Both speeches used the historic milestone to underline that democratic renewal and economic prosperity are intertwined, marking a notable shift in Budapest’s relationship with Brussels after the change of government earlier this year.