An agreement between Hungary and the European Commission on lifting the suspension of 13 of the country’s European Union development programmes is “99.9%” certain, Deputy State Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Nándor Csepreghy stated. “We see openness on the part of the European Commission, which will lead to an agreement.”

He added that a speedy solution was in the interest of both sides. The 500-600 billion forint of funding was earlier suspended due to disputes with Brussels, But negotiations are under way on a resolution which could involve paying a 50-100 billion forint bfine. Minister of State heading the Prime Minister’s Office János Lázár will meet European Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn on September 9 to discuss the suspension.

Mr Csepreghy said that Hungary had changed rules requiring membership in the Hungarian chamber of engineers as well as knowledge of the Hungarian language for participation in tenders and accepted the EC’s sanctions, even though the Government did not fully agree with Brussels’ objections.

This means that the Commission will not pay part of the invoices Hungary sends it, but this amount can be used again for other developments: the country can re-apply for the funding, he added. The amount in question is 5-10% of 500-600 billion forints.

(Prime Minister’s Office)