Hungary Risks Missing Early Erasmus+ Return Despite EU Promises
Poinews.com – Hungary risks missing early Erasmus+ return, as the nation grapples with the challenge of resuming its participation in the EU’s flagship student exchange program. With a critical deadline approaching, the government in Budapest must act swiftly to meet the conditions set by the European Commission, or it may miss the chance to have students return to Erasmus+ before the start of the new academic year. Despite assurances from EU leaders, including Prime Minister Péter Magyar and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the situation remains uncertain, raising concerns about the future of Hungarian students abroad.
EU Promises and Hungary’s Struggles
In May, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism about the potential for Hungary to rejoin the Erasmus+ program, following a political agreement that unlocked €16.4 billion in frozen EU funds. This deal was seen as a crucial step toward restoring the program, with von der Leyen stating that “Hungary risks missing early Erasmus+ return” could be avoided if the necessary measures were implemented promptly. However, the recent political landscape in Budapest adds complexity to this promise, as the government has taken steps to renationalize public interest trusts, a move that initially led to the suspension of Erasmus+ in 2022.
Brussels had paused the program due to concerns over rule-of-law and transparency issues, which were linked to government-backed public interest trusts. After Magyar’s April election victory, his administration began the process of renationalizing these trusts, aligning with EU demands for greater oversight. While this action was viewed as a positive development, it has not yet resolved the lingering concerns about Hungary’s compliance with the EU’s conditionality mechanism. The European Commission remains cautious, emphasizing that the suspension of Erasmus+ is conditional on Hungary fulfilling all requirements.
Administrative Hurdles and Timelines
One of the key challenges for Hungary is the timing of its submissions to the European Commission. According to diplomatic sources, the country has already met the “super milestones” required to rejoin Erasmus+ but plans to file the necessary documents by late August. This delay raises the possibility that the program’s resumption by September may be jeopardized, with officials warning that late submissions could lead to further postponements. “Hungary risks missing early Erasmus+ return if Budapest doesn’t submit the milestones early this summer,” a Commission official said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Budget is currently reviewing Hungary’s measures, but the process is moving slowly. This bureaucratic inertia adds pressure on the Hungarian government to expedite its efforts. While the ministry claims that affected universities have submitted their 2026 Erasmus+ mobility applications, these conditional grants can only be used once the Council lifts its restrictions. “The grant amounts are available, but they can only be used after the Council’s restriction is lifted,” the ministry stated, highlighting the dependency on EU approval.
Dr. Loretta Huszák, a lecturer at Corvinus University, emphasized the strain on institutions attempting to secure funding for the upcoming academic year. “Hungary risks missing early Erasmus+ return, and the conditions and funding for the next round of international mobility calls will come from the Erasmus fund,” she said. “This could impact the 2027-28 academic year at the earliest, creating uncertainty for future student exchanges.” The academic community is closely watching the developments, with many institutions relying on Erasmus+ to support international collaborations and research opportunities.
In response to the potential delay, Hungary has launched its own Pannónia scholarship program, funded through the national budget. This initiative is designed to provide temporary relief for higher education institutions that have been affected by the Erasmus+ suspension. “The funds necessary for financing international student mobility are now available under the Pannónia Scholarship Programme,” the ministry noted. However, experts caution that while this program offers a short-term solution, it cannot fully replace the broader benefits of Erasmus+.
The European Commission’s Conditionality Mechanism has been a focal point of the debate, with Brussels holding the line on its criteria for resuming the program. While Hungary has taken steps to address its previous shortcomings, the Commission remains vigilant, ensuring that the country maintains its commitment to transparency and rule-of-law. The success of Hungary’s efforts will hinge on its ability to demonstrate this progress quickly, as the window for early Erasmus+ return is narrowing. If the government fails to act decisively, the possibility of missing the deadline becomes more tangible.
