Speaking in Brussels, Justice Minister Judit Varga said that by committing to judicial reforms Hungary has taken a "huge step" towards unblocking cohesion funds.
After a meeting of European Union interior and justice ministers, Minister Varga said talks between Hungary and the European Commission on the package of judicial reforms are focused on a narrow set of political issues and are now “in the home stretch”. The Hungarian government has been conducting “constructive and intensive” negotiations with the EC since last July with a view to ensuring that Hungarians are given access to the EU monies they are entitled to, the minister said, noting that the package of judicial reforms agreed on between Hungary and the EU last December will soon be submitted to parliament, with the government having consulted all stakeholders. Minister Varga said she had discussed the judicial reforms with European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders on Friday, adding they had agreed that the package would soon be finalised.