The top legal adviser to the European Court of Justice has said billions of euros were wrongly released to Hungary. Advocate general Tamara Ćapeta argued that the European Commission should not have unfrozen about €10bn because required judicial reforms were not properly implemented.
The commission had suspended funds in 2022 over concerns about corruption and rule-of-law backsliding under prime minister Viktor Orbán. In 2023, it decided Hungary had met reform conditions and made the country eligible for the money. The European Parliament challenged that decision, claiming serious errors and suggesting political motives linked to EU support for Ukraine.
Ćapeta said the commission failed to assess reforms correctly and lacked transparency in its decision-making. Although her opinion is not binding, judges often follow such advice. A final ruling is expected in the coming months and could force the commission to recover funds through future budget reductions.
The case may set a key precedent on how EU institutions enforce rule-of-law standards. Orbán continues to criticise Brussels, while domestic challenger Péter Magyar campaigns on restoring ties with the EU.
