Last week, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, mentioned five flood-affected member states that could receive EU support, but Hungary was not among them. A spokesman for the committee reacted quickly to the president’s “mistake,” stating that Hungary could also benefit from the help offered by the European Union to the member states affected by the floods.
“Of course, EU support is due to all affected member states, including Hungary,” the spokesperson stated, adding that at the time of the statement in question, data on damages had only been received from the five countries mentioned – Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and Slovakia.
Orbán says defense lines have held across the country thanks to volunteers and rescue workers. https://t.co/KhWGB70KuS
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) September 23, 2024
However, the situation is not nearly so simple, reports Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet. Brussels’ promise is misleading, as the support is subject to conditions.
With the €10 billion euros offered from the EU cohesion funds, only those countries that meet the criteria will be offered financial assistance. This criteria indicates that “in the case of a major natural disaster, the total direct damage must exceed €3 billion in 2011 prices or 0.6 percent of the GNI of the affected state, whichever is lower.”
WATCH: 🇭🇺🇪🇺 Brussels insists it doesn't meddle in the internal affairs of member states, yet here is EC President Ursula von der Leyen revealing that €20 billion owed to Hungary will remain FROZEN until Budapest moves on its asylum policy. pic.twitter.com/m7mxmvN9rh
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) January 17, 2024
Hungary reacted quickly and efficiently, so the amount of damage is expected to be below the threshold, although there is no concrete data yet, as defense efforts against the flooding are still ongoing.
In other words, Hungary will not receive financial aid from Brussels because it effectively defended itself against the flood.
🇭🇺 Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán delivers arguably his most powerful statement yet to the EU.
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) January 23, 2024
He says there is no amount of money or blackmail that will make Hungary go open borders or change its stance against LGBT topics in schools. pic.twitter.com/IWU7bCeP7K
In contrast, other member states face serious damage. After the devastating floods in Poland, initial damage assessments in the most severely affected region were estimated at nearly €935 million.
In Austria, a total of €700 million in flood-related claims is expected at this point, although this amount is likely to rise. In Romania, the damage was estimated at €12.5 million, and in the case of Slovakia, it is estimated at €20 million.
Notably, Ukraine has received tens of billions in EU funds, while billions due to Hungary remain frozen over “rule of law” issues and claims over a lack of democracy. Meanwhile, Ukraine is under emergency martial law, refuses to hold elections, and has shut down all opposition media.
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