The European Commission has invited member states to suspend Hungary’s payments of about 7.5 billion euros from European funding due to the high risk of corruption until reforms are implemented.

“Hungary undertook to inform the Commission that it had taken measures to resolve the situation by 19 November. We will reconsider the situation and will act accordingly,” European Commissioner for Budget Johannes Hahn said at a press conference.

In April, Brussels launched a previously unused mechanism that could lead to the suspension of payments from European funds that pose a risk of corruption or a lack of judicial oversight in the country.

The final decision rests with the European Council, the body representing member states, which will have a month to react to the commission’s proposal. This period may be extended by another two months.

In response to Brussels’ concerns, Hungary recently announced a series of measures, including the creation of an “independent body” tasked with fighting corruption and increasing the transparency of public tenders.

Budapest is also doing its best to convince Brussels to implement its COVID-19 recovery plan (€5.8 billion in aid). Hungary is the only country in the European Union whose plan was not approved by the European Commission for the same rule of law reasons.