Hungary’s government strikes at EU’s core interests
The European Parliament and EU Council have come to an agreement on the 2024 budget, but the deal is now facing opposition from several member states, with Hungary being the most vocal critic.
The budget, totaling EUR 189.4 billion, includes allocations for key programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe research, and humanitarian aid for the conflict in Gaza. However, some Member States are not satisfied with the spending cuts in certain areas. Additionally, a EUR 66 billion supplement for migration management, technology development, and crisis management, as well as a EUR 50 billion aid package for Ukraine, have also been contested.
Hungary, as well as Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, have raised objections to the budget. Hungary, in particular, has stated that it will not approve the nearly EUR 100 billion top-up until payments blocked by rule of law procedures are unblocked. This stance has drawn criticism from other members, with some questioning Hungary’s delay in approving aid for Ukraine and EU arms shipments.
Renew MEP Valérie Hayer and EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn have also expressed dissatisfaction with the agreement, stating that it hinders Europe’s crisis management efforts.
The ongoing opposition from certain member states indicates that the 2024 budget may face further hurdles before it is fully approved and implemented.
