The future Prime Minister of Hungary, Peter Magyar, knows exactly what he expects from Brussels, and Brussels knows what he expects from Budapest. This is where the big deal begins.
Although Magyar will almost certainly take office on May 5 at the earliest, he has already reached out to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen — whom he spoke to on Monday evening — in an attempt to rebuild Budapest's relationship with the EU, which collapsed under Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 16-year rule.
For the new Magyar government The number one priority after Sunday's election victory is to unlock EUR 18 billion (PLN 77 billion) of EU fundswhich were frozen due to Orban's democratic regression. He also wants to gain access to approximately EUR 16 billion (PLN 68 billion) of European defense loans and to abolish the fine of EUR 1 million (approx. PLN 4 million) per day imposed on Hungary for failing to comply with migration law.
However, Brussels will not simply transfer these funds to the new Hungarian leader, who still remains a great unknown. Magyar must meet a number of conditions, to qualify for funding and prove it is serious about reforming Orban's authoritarian state. Brussels also has its own set of political priorities that Magyar must implement.
The great reset with the EU
For Brussels, the key political goal is to Hungary lifted its veto on a key EU loan to Kiev in the amount of EUR 90 billion (PLN 382 billion) and supported the new EU sanctions package against Russia. The European Commission also wants Hungary to give up its resistance to starting formal accession talks with Ukraine.
Fortunately for both sides, everyone seems ready to act, and quickly. Magyar does not have much time left, as it could lose a significant portion of EU funds if it does not implement the necessary rule of law reforms by August.
— I can say that it is extremely important to bring back [te pieniądze] to the country as soon as possible, Magyar announced on Monday.
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In a telephone call with von der Leyen on Monday, he pledged to agree on a reform agenda and stressed the importance of implementing anti-corruption measures – including joining the European Public Prosecutor's Office – while ensuring the independence of the judiciary and protecting media and academic freedom.
Von der Leyen expressed on Monday optimism about a potential reset.
— Of course, we will start working with the government as soon as possible… to achieve rapid and long-awaited progress for the benefit of Hungarian citizens, said the President of the European Commission.
Swedish EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz also agreed that the current diplomatic situation seems favorable. “The very fact that Peter Magyar makes it so clear that he wants to rebuild ties and trust with the EU is important in itself,” she said. — This is a good start and raises hope that cooperation with Hungary will be easier, she added.
Ready for action
On his first full day as future Prime Minister, Magyar announced that he would seek “compromises” at EU level and that he wanted “facilitate the decision-making process”.
During a three-hour press conference on Monday, he made it clear that he would not stand in the way of the EU granting a loan of 90 billion euros (PLN 382 billion) to Kiev. He said Budapest had agreed to this financing at the European Council in December and now “would like to remain consistent” with this earlier commitment.
He also stressed that he now has a crucial two-thirds majority in the Hungarian parliament, which will allow him to carry out wide-ranging judicial reforms to align with EU rules and unblock Hungary's funds. He made it clear that wants to keep its distance from Moscow and that while he opposes Ukraine's accelerated accession to the EU, his government will “help countries that are ready to join, rather than forcing them to wait in line.”
Peter Magyar during a press conference in Budapest, April 13, 2026.Balint Szentgallay/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images
He said Hungary still wants to buy Russian oil – something the EU will be less happy about – but accepted that sanctions must remain in place during the country's war with Ukraine. However, he did not comment on whether he would support the 20th package of EU sanctions against Moscow.
Ukraine is a sensitive topic for Magyar — given the strong anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Hungary — but diplomats believe a compromise can be reached.
— [Partia Magyara] Tisza stated that she did not want a fast track. Sweden also wants the trial to be based on merit, Rosencrantz said. — Ukraine has merits. It has carried out specific reforms and now it is time to formally open the first stage of negotiations, she noted.
Polish paradigm
It is significant that Magyar's first trip abroad is to go to Poland, which has recent experience with the unfreezing of EU funds.
He will meet with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who – as Andrzej Halicki, the head of the Civic Coalition faction in the European Parliament, announced – “will be ready to help him and explain all the details” and “share his experiences”.
After Tusk won the 2023 elections in Poland, the European Commission in February 2024 unlocked over EUR 100 billion (PLN 425 billion)which were put on hold due to rule of law concerns. Earlier, Tusk presented a judicial reform plan and took preliminary steps to rebuild trust.
In Poland's case, however, far-right President Karol Nawrocki ultimately blocked the reforms promised by Tusk, sparking accusations that Warsaw only obtained funds thanks to promises of change.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a press conference with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Seoul, April 13, 2026.Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images/Getty Images
The bitter experiences in Warsaw made me… The Commission is now taking a cautious approach to disbursing fundsuntil it is satisfied that the reforms have been implemented. This makes it unlikely that Magyar will receive accelerated disbursements.
However, thanks to his qualified majority, Magyar will likely not have to deal with Tusk's problems with a blocking president, as he can simply push through the measures as he sees fit.
— We have a qualified majority in parliament, which gives us the power to make changes to state systems and we intend to do it, Magyar announced.
Fighting against time
Magyar wants to form a government as soon as possible, which is why he has already called on the Hungarian president to bring forward the inauguration of the new parliament from May 12 to May 5, which will allow him to present a formal package that meets Brussels' requirements.
The vast majority means he should be able to act quickly. “He can do anything, he has no excuses… he knows exactly what needs to be done, the Commission obviously has its criteria and I think he should present a plan: this is how I intend to do it and when,” Dutch Green Party MP Tineke Strik, a leading European Parliament lawmaker overseeing the rule of law in Hungary, told POLITICO.
Hungary is also the subject of proceedings under Art. 7 of the EU Treaties – a first step towards the suspension of their voting rights due to violations of the rule of law. The next meeting, during which ministers from the remaining 26 countries will assess Budapest's position, is scheduled for the end of May.
“I think it would be an ideal opportunity to meet with other European leaders and discuss what needs to be done and how he sees it,” she said.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
