European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on 23 October 2026 that European Union funding for Hungary has been restored, alongside renewed access to Horizon Europe and Erasmus participation for Hungarian students. Speaking in Budapest at commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, von der Leyen linked these developments to anti-corruption reforms and improvements in the rule of law.
Honouring the Spirit of 1956
During her speech, von der Leyen honoured the workers, students, and other Hungarians who stood against Soviet repression in 1956. She recalled those killed, wounded, imprisoned, and executed, as well as the 200,000 people who fled their homes. Drawing on words by Václav Havel and Albert Camus, she connected their sacrifice to the continuing responsibility to defend freedom, democracy, and European unity, stating, “Freedom is a fire that catches.”
Reforms and Rule of Law Progress
The Commission President described Hungary’s political direction following the election six months earlier as a new chapter after years of division and eroded trust. Addressing Prime Minister Péter Magyar, she praised measures against fraud and corruption, greater transparency in public spending, and Hungary’s move towards joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Von der Leyen highlighted the election’s high turnout, with eight in every ten Hungarians voting, describing it as the largest since the end of communist rule.
Restoring Key European Programmes
Von der Leyen confirmed that “European funding is back” for Hungary. This includes restored access to Horizon Europe and renewed Erasmus participation for all Hungarian students. She indicated that further funding, including NextGenerationEU and funds linked to academic freedom, will follow by the end of the year. She also noted that investor confidence is returning, describing Hungary’s renewed commitment to a common European future as a source of strength for the Union.
The anniversary, according to von der Leyen, serves as a lesson that democratic progress is never guaranteed. She argued that Hungary offers a message of hope that “democratic backsliding can be reversed” and that disinformation and fearmongering can be defeated. She concluded by emphasising, “We are one family,” and that “Our task is to keep Europe united.”
FAQ
What did Ursula von der Leyen announce regarding Hungary?
Ursula von der Leyen announced the restoration of European Union funding for Hungary, renewed access to Horizon Europe, and renewed Erasmus participation for Hungarian students, linking these to anti-corruption reforms.
What reforms did Hungary implement to facilitate this EU reset?
Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government implemented measures against fraud and corruption, increased transparency in public spending, and initiated a move towards joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
When did Ursula von der Leyen make this announcement?
Ursula von der Leyen made this announcement in Budapest on 23 October 2026, during commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
