A group of representatives of the European Union (EU), which had arrived in Budapest, expressed doubts about whether Hungary has done enough to receive money from the frozen EU funds, writes Politico.
Representatives of the European Parliament (EP) had arrived to assess the dispute between the European Commission (EC) and the right-wing government led by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, after Brussels repeatedly expressed concerns about the independence of Hungary’s justice system and corruption in the country.
MEPs have criticized the Hungarian auditors as unfit for the job. Monika Hohlmeier, chairwoman of the EP’s Budgetary Control Committee, told reporters that questions about the use of funds and reports of fraud remained unanswered.
After a three-day visit during which MEPs met Hungarian officials, non-governmental organizations, and journalists, they
praised Hungary’s progress on some rule of law issues but also pointed to shortcomings that will be reported to the EC.
Hohlmeier stated that the Hungarian government transfers public procurement to companies friendly to it, using means such as special taxes or last-minute changes in legislation to reduce competition. She added: “Let me remind you that Hungary is a member of the EU single market and in the single market, there can be no discrimination of companies, they all must have the same rights and the same obligations.”
The Hungarian government has rejected the criticism. The Justice Ministry published a statement on its Facebook page stating that the Budgetary Control Committee expressed political expectations that do not meet EC requirements. The statement also said that Hungary has complied and the EU must now pay the Hungarians the funds promised.
Changes in the justice system could allow Hungary to receive the frozen 13 billion euros from the EU’s cohesion fund. On the other hand, another 22 billion euros will remain frozen due to other reasons related to the restriction of democracy.
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