2023-12-29 11:49:52
EU funds
Written by Rainer Ackermann
Hungary received a transfer of 780 million euros from Brussels between the year-end holidays.
Finance Minister Mihály Varga shared the good news on social media. Varga recalled that EU finance ministers approved Hungary’s modified reconstruction plan at the Ecofin meeting on December 8. This paved the way for the payment of funds from the RePowerEU program. The business portal portfolio.hu points out the fact, which the minister did not discuss in detail, that it is simply an advance payment on the money from the reconstruction fund. The EU Commission continues to withhold the latter funds, amounting to almost 6 billion euros, from Hungary as long as it does not meet all 27 defined “super milestones”. This does not apply to advance payments; But Brussels could also demand this money back if Hungary fails to meet its obligations.
The regional minister responsible for the use of EU funds, Tibor Navracsics, also welcomed the first transfer announced by Varga. For his part, he noted via social media that payments for the regular operational programs within the seven-year EU budget could begin in January. Specifically, the minister expects an initial transfer of 445 million euros; Brussels had granted Hungary a total of 10.2 billion euros due to progress in judicial reform.
The Ministry of Energy announced that the 780 million euros now allocated will primarily benefit the modernization of the electricity networks and the expansion of capacities. This is in line with the objectives of RePowerEU to strengthen energy sovereignty and advance the so-called “energy transition”. The first call for tenders is expected to be launched in February; Entrepreneurs can then apply for up to 4 million forints as a purchase bonus for the procurement of e-vehicles.
#advance