The European Commission has proposed that the Council lift the protective measures imposed on Hungary under the EU budget conditionality mechanism.
If adopted, the proposal would reinstate €4.2 billion in suspended Cohesion Policy commitments and restore access to Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ for students and researchers at universities maintained by Hungarian public interest trusts. The Commission says its assessment follows changes in public procurement, anti-corruption safeguards, conflicts of interest and prosecutorial action.
Why this matters
The decision could affect Horizon Europe consortium formation and collaboration with the universities concerned. Teams considering these institutions as partners should check the applicable eligibility rules and follow the Council decision before treating access as restored. The case also shows how EU budget protection measures can affect participation in research programmes.
Commission proposal, not yet adopted by the Council. The existing restrictions remain in force. The Council has one month to consider the proposal.
Official source
This EXELIXIS briefing is based on the European Commission announcement. Check the Council decision and current programme rules before making eligibility decisions.