EU justice commissioner says Hungary is on 'clear path' to restoring rule of law

EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said Hungary is on a "very clear and steadfast" path to restoring rule of law, offering a cautiously optimistic assessment of Budapest's efforts to address long-standing concerns from Brussels.

The remarks came ahead of a significant meeting between Hungarian opposition politician Peter Magyar and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The talks are aimed at securing the release of €17 billion in EU funds that have been frozen over concerns about corruption and shortcomings in the rule of law under the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The frozen funds represent one of the largest financial standoffs between the European Union and a member state in recent years. Brussels has repeatedly pressed Hungary to implement judicial and anti-corruption reforms as conditions for unlocking the money. McGrath's comments suggest the Commission sees some progress, though the outcome of the upcoming talks between Magyar and von der Leyen could prove pivotal in determining whether those funds are ultimately released.