EU Council Ended Rule-of-Law Procedure Against Hungary
Hungary has regained access to 4.2 billion euros in previously frozen funding and full participation in EU programs.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Scholarships
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The EU Council has approved the end of the rule-of-law procedure against Hungary, allowing the nation to access 4.2 billion euros in frozen funds. This decision also restores full participation in Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe for universities managed by public-interest foundations.
Why it matters
The European Commission determined that Hungary successfully addressed prior concerns regarding public procurement, corruption, and oversight. By implementing new judicial review expansions and an integrity authority, the government satisfied the conditions required to unlock vital financial support.
Hungary previously lost 1 billion euros in funding at the end of both 2024 and 2025. The current 4.2 billion euro release represents a portion of the 55% of cohesion policy commitments that were initially suspended.
The players
EU Council
This is the institution that defines the European Union's overall political direction and priorities.
European Commission
This body acts as the executive branch of the European Union and is responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions.
The details
The Hungarian government successfully established an Integrity Authority and an asset declaration system to resolve EU concerns. Reimbursements for eligible project developments will now be processed against documented invoices for work already carried out by the state.
Timeline
In 2022, the EU launched a conditionality procedure and imposed restrictions on funding.
Hungary lost 1 billion euros in funding at the end of 2024.
In autumn 2024, foundation-run universities were unable to send students on international exchanges.
Hungary lost another 1 billion euros in funding at the end of 2025.
Students at affected universities are expected to return to Erasmus+ exchanges by the spring 2027 semester.
Culture Shift
This development follows the rigorous oversight standards set by the EU conditionality regulation. The decision marks a shift away from punitive measures toward renewed academic and financial integration within the bloc.
Students attending foundation-run universities can now plan for academic exchanges starting in the spring of 2027. Researchers will also regain access to European grant networks that were previously blocked during the funding suspension.
The takeaway
The restoration of these funds provides a stable path forward for international student mobility programs. Students should monitor their university portals for updated information regarding upcoming exchange application cycles.
Further reading
Learn more about student exchange opportunities at Scholarships.
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Should international funding for countries be conditional on internal judicial and rule-of-law reforms?
