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EU court should annul resumption of EU payments to Hungary, adviser says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 12, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 12, 2026
Quick Summary
An EU Court adviser recommends annulling the resumption of EU payments to Hungary, citing unmet reform requirements. The European Parliament challenges the EU Commission's decision.
EU Court Adviser Urges Cancellation of Hungary's EU Fund Resumption
Legal Challenges to EU Funding for Hungary
BRUSSELS, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The EU Court of Justice should annul the European Commission's decision in 2023 to lift a suspension on the payment of EU funds to Hungary, the court's adviser said on Thursday, noting that the required reforms by Budapest had not yet gone into effect.
The Commission in 2022 suspended the payment of funds to Hungary over concerns about corruption, threats to the rule of law and the undermining of democracy.
A year later, the Commission concluded Hungary had met its requirements and lifted the suspension, making the country eligible to receive around 10 billion euros ($11.9 billion) from various EU funds.
Background on Fund Suspension
But the European Parliament brought the case to the EU Court of Justice, demanding the annulment of that decision, claiming that the Commission had committed "manifest errors" and had misused its powers.
Parliament's Case Against the Commission
The court's Advocate General Tamara Capeta sided with the parliament and said the Commission had permitted disbursements before the required reforms had entered into force and had failed to assess the reforms of Hungary's judicial system.
Advocate General's Opinion
"The Commission may not disburse EU funds to a member state until the required legislative reforms are in force and are effectively being applied," she said.
The Commission had also failed to address developments that could undermine or offset the reforms, she added.
The adviser's opinion is not binding, but is often followed by the court.
($1 = 0.8415 euros)
(Reporting by Bart MeijerEditing by Peter Graff, Alexandra Hudson)
Key Takeaways
- •EU Court adviser recommends annulling EU payments to Hungary.
- •Hungary's reforms not yet implemented, says adviser.
- •European Parliament challenges the EU Commission's decision.
- •Advocate General Tamara Capeta supports the Parliament's stance.
- •The adviser's opinion is influential but not binding.
Frequently Asked Questions about EU court should annul resumption of EU payments to Hungary, adviser says
1What is EU funding?
EU funding refers to financial support provided by the European Union to member states for various projects, including infrastructure, development, and social programs.
2What is the rule of law?
The rule of law is a principle that ensures all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which is fairly applied and enforced.
3What is corruption?
Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, which can undermine trust in institutions and hinder economic development.
4What is the European Commission?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the EU's policies and budget.
