Unblocking EU funds has been a key priority for Péter Magyar, who replaced Orbán as prime minister in May after a seismic election victory. “One of our most important commitments during the campaign was that we were going to unlock the billions of euros that Hungarians deserve,” he said in Brussels shortly after his election.

Budapest has made significant progress tackling public procurement concerns, corruption and conflicts of interest since May. “More than a hundred pieces of legislation had to be amended,” a government website read, citing anti-corruption reforms and the country joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).

The Commission’s proposal is expected to be adopted by the Council, and will be “an important and positive step for Hungary and for the European Union,” Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said.

“The Commission will continue to engage constructively with the Hungarian authorities and to closely monitor developments. Sustaining the progress made will be important in the period ahead,” he added.