Hungary's parliament has adopted a reform to improve judicial independence with the aim of unlocking EU funds frozen by Brussels over corruption and rule of law concerns. Lawmakers on May 3 approved the reform by an overwhelming majority. "Hungary has now fulfilled its commitments regarding the administration of justice," Justice Minister Judit Varga said. Budapest now expects Brussels to pay the funds due to Hungary, she said. In December, the European Commission froze almost 22 billion euros ($24,3 billion) for Hungary for the 2021-27 period, saying Budapest was failing to meet European standards on the rule of law.
Hungary Adopts Justice Reform To Unlock EU Funds
Hungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga (file photo)