On July 15, 2021, the European Union reached an agreement with Hungary on the country`s recovery plans. The agreement was a step forward for both parties after months of negotiations and disagreements.
Hungary had initially submitted a plan that did not meet the requirements set by the EU for funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The facility was established to provide support to member states that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Hungarian plan faced criticism for not being comprehensive enough and not addressing key issues such as climate change and social inclusivity.
The EU had asked Hungary to revise its plan and make it more in line with its objectives. The two sides had several rounds of negotiations, with Hungary making some changes to its plan. However, the EU still had some concerns about the plan.
The EU`s main concern was with Hungary`s use of funds to build a new campus for a Chinese university. The EU was worried that this could jeopardize the independence of Hungarian universities and create a closer relationship between Hungary and China. The EU also had concerns about the rule of law in Hungary and its implications for the use of the funds.
After several rounds of negotiations, Hungary and the EU finally reached an agreement. The revised plan includes more measures for climate change and social inclusivity, and the funds allocated to the Chinese university have been separated from the overall plan. Hungary has also committed to ensuring the independence of its universities and to protecting the rule of law.
This agreement is a significant step forward for both Hungary and the EU. Hungary will now have access to funds that it desperately needs to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU, on the other hand, can now be reassured that its funds will be used appropriately and that the rule of law will be respected.
In conclusion, the agreement between Hungary and the EU is a positive development for both parties. The negotiations were long and complex, but the final agreement is a testament to the importance of compromise and cooperation. With this agreement, Hungary can now move forward with its recovery plans, and the EU can continue to support its member states in their efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.