Published: November 29 2023
In this article, we will provide an update on the latest developments regarding EU funding and Erasmus negotiations in Budapest, Hungary. Regional Development Minister, Tibor Navracsics, recently shared important information on the loan from the Recovery Fund and the progress of the Erasmus negotiations during a radio program.
Loan from the Recovery Fund
The Hungarian government has applied for a loan of HUF 1,500 billion (EUR 3.9 billion) from the Recovery Fund for investments. It is expected that the European Commission will make a decision on the funds by the end of the year. If the decision is positive, the advance payment can be made. The funds will be mainly used for energy projects such as energy saving, residential renewable energy tenders, and grid development.
EU Funding Packages
Hungary is also awaiting the disbursement of HUF 2,300 billion (EUR 6 billion) from the non-reimbursable part of the Recovery Fund. However, the agreement has been delayed due to objections concerning the alleged threat to the independence of the judiciary. The Minister expressed hope that an agreement could be reached before the end of the year to access the funds.
Erasmus Negotiations
The Minister discussed the ongoing negotiations regarding university programs and Erasmus education. Some politicians were removed from the boards of trustees overseeing model-switching universities as requested by the European Commission. However, negotiations have been complex and are still ongoing. The Minister emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement and ensuring uninterrupted funding for Erasmus programs from next September.
The Impact of the Rule of Law Procedure
The outcome of the rule of law procedure is crucial for the progress of negotiations and accessing EU funding. The Minister believes that the European Commission is concerned about the potential backlash from the European Parliament if an agreement is reached with Hungary. He highlighted that the aim is not to exclude Hungarian universities from international cooperation.
Conclusion
The update from Budapest's Regional Development Minister sheds light on the loan from the Recovery Fund, ongoing EU funding negotiations, and the status of Erasmus programs. It is crucial to address technical details and reach an agreement to ensure uninterrupted funding and support for various projects and initiatives in Hungary.
Questions & Answers
What is the Recovery Fund and how much money has Hungary applied for? The Recovery Fund is a fund for investments in Hungary, and the Hungarian government has applied for a total of HUF 1,500 billion (EUR 3.9 billion) in loans for these investments.
When must projects implemented with money from the Recovery Fund be completed? Projects implemented with money from the Recovery Fund must be completed by 2026.
What can the money from the Recovery Fund be used for? The money from the Recovery Fund can be used for energy projects, such as energy saving, residential renewable energy tenders, and grid development.
What is the status of the non-reimbursable part of the Recovery Fund? The non-reimbursable part of the Recovery Fund, which is HUF 2,300 billion (EUR 6 billion), is still pending.
Why has the agreement for the non-reimbursable part of the Recovery Fund been delayed? The agreement for the non-reimbursable part of the Recovery Fund has been delayed due to objections regarding the alleged threat to the independence of the judiciary.
What is the Minister's opinion about the European Commission's requests and deadlines? The Minister believes that the European Commission is only trying to push back deadlines with its new requests to see whether the political environment will allow the lifting of restrictions on Hungary.
What is the current situation regarding Hungarian universities' international cooperation? The politician stated that there are no deadlines anymore because there has been no change even in previously agreed dates by the Commissioners. The aim is not to exclude Hungarian universities from international cooperation.
What is the Minister's hope regarding the university programs and funding? The Minister hopes that an agreement can be reached, and funding will be uninterrupted from next September.
What is the biggest obstacle in the negotiations? The outcome of the rule of law procedure is the biggest obstacle in the negotiations.
What happened to the university programs in January 2021? Active politicians were removed from the boards of trustees overseeing the model-switching universities in January 2021, as requested by the Commission.
Why were active politicians removed from the boards of trustees overseeing the model-switching universities? The active politicians were removed from the boards of trustees overseeing the model-switching universities to ensure the country's competitiveness, efficiency of its universities, and expand academic freedom.
What is the Minister's opinion on the negotiations for the university programs? The Minister sees a delay in the negotiations on the university programs and believes it is not yet over.
