The public administration and regional development minister said Hungary sees cohesion policy as “one of the most successful policies of the EU”, and has a vested interest in maintaining it.
Budapest and its suburbs, home to some 3 million people, “are considered one city” from a development point of view.
Tibor Navracsics said the goal was to preserve identities, enrich cultural life and strengthen businesses.
Tibor Navracsics said the cooperation of the two branches “must be seamless” when fresh European Union funds released to Hungary “are put in service of regional development policy”.
Tibor Navracsics, Regional Development Minister, said Hungary could now start implementing several of its goals.
The 2021-2027 EU funding period is also underway, he noted, and talks on cohesion funds and the support and loan parts of recovery funds started last year.
Hungary was expected to be ranked as one of the member states best at utilising EU funds in the 2014-2020 financial cycle.
Tibor Navracsics met Didier Reynders, the justice commissioner, and Johannes Hahn, the budget commissioner, on the implementation of “super milestone” measures connected with the release of EU funds.
The next and final round of talks on topics related to unblocking the funding will start on Thursday.
Tibor Navracsics confirmed that once the EU resources are transferred, teachers’ wage hikes would be made.
Minister Navracsics said Hungary plans to use the financing for energy infrastructure development as well as projects to boost energy efficiency and the green transition.
For the central European grouping of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to be successful, the four countries must deepen their cooperation.
The meeting included discussions which may result in support for Hungary’s access to European Union funds.