The European Union will release €16.4 billion of frozen funds to Hungary following Viktor Orban’s electoral loss, signaling a shift toward compliance with anti‑corruption and rule‑of‑law standards.

Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the payout after meeting new Hungarian PM Peter Magyar in Brussels. The money, roughly 13 % of Hungary’s annual operating budget, will finance solar and wind farms, new trains, and SME grants.

Magyar blamed Orban for stalling EU‑mandated reforms and highlighted recent public‑procurement changes that curb fraud. A senior EU official said payments will likely start late this year, contingent on completed reforms.

With the funds unlocked, investor confidence returns and markets notice a new era for Budapest, while EU leaders keep Ukraine‑membership talks separate from the release decision.