Mátyás wants to reset relations with Ukraine and Russia, according to Politico
Hungary’s election winner, Péter Magyar, is developing a comprehensive plan to normalize relations with the European Union following 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s rule.
This is reported by Politico.
The new government’s main goal is to unblock approximately €18 billion in EU funding that was frozen due to violations of democratic principles under the previous administration. Additionally, Budapest seeks to gain access to another roughly €16 billion in defense loans and lift the daily €1 million fine imposed over its migration policy.
At the same time, Brussels is setting clear conditions for the resumption of funding. Specifically, Hungary is expected to lift its veto on a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, support new sanctions against Russia, and stop blocking the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Mátyás stated that he would seek “compromises” with partners and aims to streamline the decision-making process. He also made it clear that he would not block financial aid to Ukraine.
The politician emphasized that he holds a two-thirds constitutional majority in parliament, which allows for the necessary judicial reforms to unfreeze the funds.
Regarding relations with Russia, Magyar stated his intention to maintain distance, but noted that Hungary will continue to import Russian oil while supporting existing sanctions.
According to Politico, the new government is working against the clock: if reforms in the area of the rule of law are not adopted by August, the country risks losing a significant portion of EU funding.
Mátyás has already asked the president to move the parliamentary inauguration from May 12 to May 5 in order to present the reform package sooner.
Hungary currently remains subject to the Article 7 procedure of the EU treaties, which provides for the possibility of stripping the country of its voting rights in the event of a violation of democratic norms. The next hearing on the situation is scheduled for late May.
The Hungarian company Mol Nyrt. has agreed to purchase 500,000 tons of oil for approximately $500 million from the United States. This was announced ahead of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Budapest on Tuesday, a few days before Hungary’s key general election.
Péter Magyar, whose party won the parliamentary elections in Hungary, has begun drafting a strategic plan to restore relations with Brussels.
Mátyás spoke out against Ukraine’s rapid accession to the EU
Péter Magyar is the first cousin of Hungary’s former president and the grandson of a judge.
Mátyás called on Orbán’s puppets to resign.
