Hungary Receives €10 Billion in Frozen EU Funds Despite Orbán's Threats

The European Commission has released €10 billion in frozen cohesion funds for Hungary, allowing the government to finance development projects across the country. The decision comes after Hungary adopted a judicial reform in May to strengthen judicial independence, but critics argue that the reform falls short of addressing rule-of-law concerns. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has threatened to veto the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine, block a special fund for Ukraine's budget, and halt military aid, raising speculation of horse-trading between Hungary and the EU. The release of funds coincides with a two-day summit of EU leaders where these issues will be discussed.