Hungary's incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar traveled to Brussels for informal but urgent talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This trip marks his first visit to Brussels since his landslide election victory two weeks ago.
Magyar is pushing to restore access to billions of euros in frozen European Union aid, specifically seeking to unlock approximately 10 billion euros in Covid recovery funds. These funds were choked during the tenure of nationalist Viktor Orban, and the new leader is racing to reach a deal ahead of deadlines in late May and August.
Magyar described the meetings as productive, extremely constructive, and successful, stating that the funds would soon arrive in Hungary. Von der Leyen vowed to keep working together as part of a post-Orban EU reset. The new leader is desperate to demonstrate that his promise to reset ties can deliver quick benefits.