Minister-Deal On EU Funds "Could Come At Any Time"

Wires carrying comments from Hungarian Regional Development Minister Tibor Navracsics regarding earlier reportsfrom the FT that Brussels will soon release billions of euros in previously-frozen funding. On this, Navracsics states that the gov't is 'still waiting' for the Commission to confirm the reports. Says that Hungary has 'been ready for deal with the EU since July', adding that 'up to HUF3.5trn worth of EU funds could start flowing if there is a deal' , which he says'could come at any time.'

• As noted in the FT piece, Brussels sits in a difficult position in that it needs an enlarged budget to be able to provide additional aid to Ukraine, but cannot do so without the approval of Budapest.
• The Commission submitted a number of questions to the Hungarian gov't on 26 Sep requiring 'clarifications' on aspects of judicial reforms intended to bring the country into line with EU rule of law requirements. Navracsics stated that the gov't will 'reply to European Commission questions on reforms,' but gave no timeline.