EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said Hungary must implement reforms for its own citizens rather than to satisfy European Union requirements.
The statement highlights a deepening rift between Brussels and Budapest over rule-of-law standards. The dispute centers on whether Hungary is making genuine systemic changes or merely performing superficial adjustments to regain access to withheld financial aid.
Speaking during an interview with Euronews on May 29, 2026, McGrath said that the motivation behind national reforms is critical. He said, "Hungary must reform for its people, not for the EU."
Financial tensions remain high as the EU continues to withhold significant capital. McGrath said the €17 billion [1] in frozen EU funds are unlikely to be disbursed any time soon.
The commissioner's comments suggest that the EU is not convinced by the current pace or nature of the reforms. By decoupling the necessity of reform from the incentive of funding, McGrath signaled that the commission expects a shift in the Hungarian government's approach to governance.
This stance places additional pressure on the Hungarian administration to demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law that extends beyond financial desperation. The frozen funds represent a significant portion of the budget intended for regional development, and infrastructure.
“"Hungary must reform for its people, not for the EU."”
The EU's refusal to release €17 billion suggests that the European Commission is shifting its strategy from a transactional approach to a principled one. By demanding reforms for the benefit of citizens rather than for the sake of fund recovery, the EU is attempting to force a fundamental change in Hungary's legal and political framework to prevent a future relapse once the money is released.
