Hungary’s incoming prime minister Peter Magyar said he has begun early talks with European Union officials in a bid to unblock billions of euros in frozen funds, signaling an urgent push to reset relations with Brussels.
Magyar, whose landslide election victory on April 12 will end the 16-year rule of nationalist leader Viktor Orban, said there was “no time to waste” in resolving long-running disputes between Hungary and the EU.
“I expect a constructive negotiation. It will not be easy because we have very little time,” Magyar told a news conference, adding that a high-level EU delegation, including the chief of staff of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, was due to arrive in Budapest.
The talks aim to identify areas of agreement ahead of the formation of the new government and determine which legal changes Hungary’s next parliament can adopt to meet EU conditions.
Magyar said he expects to take office on May 9 or 10, depending on when the president convenes the new parliament.
His centre-right Tisza party secured a supermajority in the election, giving it the authority to amend key laws on the judiciary, public procurement and media oversight—areas that have been central to disputes with Brussels.
He also expressed hope of reaching a political agreement during his first official visit to Brussels.
Financial markets have responded positively to Magyar’s victory, reflecting expectations that the EU could release funds and support Hungary’s near-stagnant economy.
Magyar has previously outlined four priority areas for swift reform, including anti-corruption measures and restoring media and academic freedoms, in order to avoid losing around €10 billion in EU pandemic recovery funding by an end-August deadline.
Von der Leyen said earlier this week that there was urgent work ahead following her discussion with Magyar, underlining the tight timeline for progress.
