{"id":1896841,"date":"2026-04-22T17:33:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T14:33:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896841"},"modified":"2026-04-22T17:33:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T14:33:06","slug":"exclusive-hungarys-new-government-to-review-orbans-eu-defence-plan-over-corruption-concerns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896841","title":{"rendered":"Exclusive: Hungary\u2019s new government to review Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s EU defence plan over corruption concerns"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/69\/80\/49\/1200x675_cmsv2_d6268ad3-52ac-5dad-a512-91a18ecba4a6-9698049.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2888179-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2888179\" data-cid=\"9731772\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888179-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/17\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_589cfd1e-da6c-5e9e-b746-4f30bd889b53-9731772.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Displaced people cross a destroyed bridge as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Aerial footage shows widespread destruction in southern Lebanon\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888213-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2888213\" data-cid=\"9732101\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888213-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/19\/90\/189x106_cmsv2_e5e14bfd-ce34-5ff0-b57c-8096b7f14e6e-9731990.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Viktor Orb\u00e1n's mother, Mrs Gy\u0151z\u0151 Orb\u00e1n, his father Gy\u0151z\u0151 Orb\u00e1n and his son G\u00e1sp\u00e1r Orb\u00e1n at the plenary session of the National Assembly on 10 May 2018\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Son of Hungary&#8217;s outgoing prime minister discharged from military\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888249-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2888249\" data-cid=\"9732196\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888249-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/21\/96\/189x106_cmsv2_89e49f6e-a115-5b71-b154-b5bc4a04d6bb-9732196.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Spanish flag and a Spanish far-right VOX party flag are waved during the far-right Patriots for Europe summit in Madrid, 8 February, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain&#8217;s far-right Vox returns to power in regional government\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888180-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2888180\" data-cid=\"9731773\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888180-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/31\/80\/189x106_cmsv2_909e13ec-d1f2-5068-8ac4-820f27d260b2-9723180.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The first boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla departing from in Barcelona, Spain, on 12 Apriln \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Global Sumud Flotilla ready to new mission to Gaza\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888179-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2888179\" data-cid=\"9731772\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888179-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/17\/72\/189x106_cmsv2_589cfd1e-da6c-5e9e-b746-4f30bd889b53-9731772.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Displaced people cross a destroyed bridge as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Aerial footage shows widespread destruction in southern Lebanon\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888213-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2888213\" data-cid=\"9732101\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888213-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/19\/90\/189x106_cmsv2_e5e14bfd-ce34-5ff0-b57c-8096b7f14e6e-9731990.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Viktor Orb\u00e1n's mother, Mrs Gy\u0151z\u0151 Orb\u00e1n, his father Gy\u0151z\u0151 Orb\u00e1n and his son G\u00e1sp\u00e1r Orb\u00e1n at the plenary session of the National Assembly on 10 May 2018\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Son of Hungary&#8217;s outgoing prime minister discharged from military\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888249-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2888249\" data-cid=\"9732196\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888249-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/21\/96\/189x106_cmsv2_89e49f6e-a115-5b71-b154-b5bc4a04d6bb-9732196.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Spanish flag and a Spanish far-right VOX party flag are waved during the far-right Patriots for Europe summit in Madrid, 8 February, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain&#8217;s far-right Vox returns to power in regional government\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888180-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2888180\" data-cid=\"9731773\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888180-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/31\/80\/189x106_cmsv2_909e13ec-d1f2-5068-8ac4-820f27d260b2-9723180.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The first boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla departing from in Barcelona, Spain, on 12 Apriln \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Global Sumud Flotilla ready to new mission to Gaza\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Exclusive: Hungary\u2019s new government to review Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s EU defence plan over corruption concerns<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/69\/80\/49\/1536x864_cmsv2_d6268ad3-52ac-5dad-a512-91a18ecba4a6-9698049.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Hungary's outgoing Minister of Defence Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky, right, in a Lynx infantry fighting vehicle \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Hungary&#8217;s outgoing Minister of Defence Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky, right, in a Lynx infantry fighting vehicle<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspSandor Zsiros\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1776879186\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-22 19:33:06 +02:00\">22\/04\/2026 &#8211; 19:33 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links 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class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        P\u00e9ter Magyar&#8217;s team is reassessing Hungary&#8217;s \u20ac16 billion SAFE defence plan submitted by the defeated Orb\u00e1n government, citing corruption risks. The European Commission is open to engaging with the new administration.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>P\u00e9ter Magyar&#8217;s incoming government will review a national defence plan for cheap European financing to rearm Hungary issued under the watch of Viktor Orb\u00e1n citing corruption concerns, Euronews has learned. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A revision of the plan&#8217;s goals and scope in line with the priorities of the Magyar&#8217;s government is possible, and the European Commission has agreed to their request to review it and assess it before making taking further steps. <\/p>\n<p>The low-interest loan scheme was launched last year by Brussels to strengthen defence industries and military readiness across the bloc in response to the threat posed by Russia. SAFE will distribute \u20ac150 billion among 19 member states.<\/p>\n<p>Hungary submitted its plan, worth \u20ac16.2 billion, last December, detailing defence and dual-use projects. As the Commission has yet to approve the submission, experts from Magyar&#8217;s incoming government are now scrutinising it and may propose changes.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We will critically review the list submitted by the outgoing government and make decisions based on real needs and an assessment of corruption risks,&#8221; a source within the Tisza Party told Euronews on condition of anonymity.<\/p>\n<p>The corruption risks referred to are understood to relate to Hungarian industrial interests with ties to Viktor Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s outgoing government.<\/p>\n<p>National plans submitted to the Commission are treated as confidential given their sensitive nature. The Commission confirmed it is engaging with the incoming Hungarian authorities on the matter.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The Commission is, of course, open to engaging on the Hungarian SAFE plan with the incoming government,&#8221; Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier told Euronews, adding that the assessment of Hungary&#8217;s defence plan remains ongoing and will be approved once it is ready.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Hungary&#8217;s plan last in the queue<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In March, the Commission approved the Czech and French SAFE national plans, leaving Hungary&#8217;s submission as the last pending case. The Commission&#8217;s position at the time mirrored its current stance: that the plan was not yet ready for approval.<\/p>\n<p>Hungary subsequently wrote to the Commission requesting an update on the review&#8217;s status. The Commission responded by insisting that revisions were required.<\/p>\n<p>Hungary&#8217;s envelope of \u20ac16.2 billion was among the three largest requests, trailing only Poland and Romania, and exceeded France&#8217;s allocation \u2014 Paris sought \u20ac15.1 billion.<\/p>\n<p>Hungarian diplomats familiar with the matter maintain that the delay was politically motivated and that Budapest had met all the necessary criteria for a positive assessment.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Looking at the timeline, the Commission decided in early February not to approve the Hungarian plan before the elections. Until then, the procedure had followed the same pattern as with other member states,&#8221; a senior Hungarian official told Euronews on condition of anonymity.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Afterwards, the Commission went completely silent: no feedback, no questions, no justification \u2014 not even replies to official inquiries. This is not a regular procedure; it is an obvious political blockage,&#8221; the official added.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission this week rejected allegations that the Orb\u00e1n government&#8217;s SAFE plan had been held up for political reasons.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I firmly rebut the suggestion that it has been blocked for political reasons. We have not blocked any SAFE plan,&#8221; spokesperson Regnier said, noting that Hungary had been asked for revisions.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>High-level EU delegation visits Budapest<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Over the weekend, a senior European Commission delegation travelled to Budapest for initial informal talks with officials from Magyar&#8217;s incoming team.<\/p>\n<p>Ursula von der Leyen&#8217;s chief of staff, Bj\u00f6rn Seibert, led the EU delegation, which included several director-generals. The visit was notable given that discussions took place with Tisza Party officials who have not yet assumed formal governmental authority.<\/p>\n<p>Although the Director General for Defence Industry and Space, Timo Pesonen, was not present, Hungary&#8217;s SAFE plan featured in the discussions.<\/p>\n<p>Following the meeting, both sides expressed willingness to resolve the issue of Hungary&#8217;s frozen EU funds \u2014 worth \u20ac17 billion out of the \u20ac27 billion earmarked for Hungary in the current budgetary period.<\/p>\n<p>Magyar and Commission President von der Leyen had previously agreed to establish a direct communication channel between their teams to work towards unblocking the funds.<\/p>\n<p>Hungary stands to lose \u20ac10 billion in recovery funds if a deal is not reached by the end of August. Releasing frozen EU funds \u2014 blocked by Brussels during the Orb\u00e1n government over rule-of-law and anti-corruption concerns \u2014 was the central pledge of Magyar&#8217;s election campaign.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Can P\u00e9ter Magyar break Hungary\u2019s reliance on Russian oil?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Hungary left in the cold as European Commission keeps defense cash frozen<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  France and Czech SAFE defence loan plans cleared, sources say, but Hungary row looms large<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Defence<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    European Commission<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Hungary parliamentary elections 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2888138-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2888138\" data-cid=\"9731568\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888138-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/15\/68\/320x180_cmsv2_9989022a-5f71-561e-84f9-16e665ed59e4-9731568.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants the vetoes lifted.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU launches procedure to unblock Ukraine loan and Russia sanctions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2887991-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887991\" data-cid=\"9730865\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887991-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/08\/65\/320x180_cmsv2_cae168f5-f5c9-51ab-b401-eb733a7f0870-9730865.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The sun rises behind tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, 18 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after three vessels fired on<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2888153-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2888153\" data-cid=\"9731670\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888153-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/16\/70\/320x180_cmsv2_1eeaaf8b-81da-51c5-b778-c8a81ffb88bb-9731670.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vladimir Plahotniuc, Moldovan oligarch facing charges over a $1 billion bank fraud, is escorted by police after being extradited from Greece, in Chisinau, 25 September 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Moldovan oligarch sentenced to 19 years in prison over $1bn fraud<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2888249-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2888249\" data-cid=\"9732196\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888249-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/21\/96\/320x180_cmsv2_89e49f6e-a115-5b71-b154-b5bc4a04d6bb-9732196.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Spanish flag and a Spanish far-right VOX party flag are waved during the far-right Patriots for Europe summit in Madrid, 8 February, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain&#8217;s far-right Vox returns to power in regional government<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2888184-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2888184\" data-cid=\"9731805\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888184-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/18\/05\/320x180_cmsv2_da4fe70a-7c9b-5f3d-97e1-2fbcd195e56f-9731805.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Lawmakers in the Greek parliament in Athens, 5 March, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greek parliament lifts immunity of MPs probed in EU farm scandal<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2887464-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887464\" data-cid=\"9728059\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spanish archaeologists find Homer&#8217;s Iliad poem in Egyptian tomb<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div 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army jails soldiers for vandalising Jesus statue in Lebanon<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888138-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2888138\" data-cid=\"9731568\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888138-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/15\/68\/320x180_cmsv2_9989022a-5f71-561e-84f9-16e665ed59e4-9731568.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants the vetoes lifted.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU launches procedure to unblock Ukraine loan and Russia sanctions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887991-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887991\" data-cid=\"9730865\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887991-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/08\/65\/320x180_cmsv2_cae168f5-f5c9-51ab-b401-eb733a7f0870-9730865.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The sun rises behind tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, 18 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after three vessels fired on<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888153-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2888153\" data-cid=\"9731670\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888153-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/16\/70\/320x180_cmsv2_1eeaaf8b-81da-51c5-b778-c8a81ffb88bb-9731670.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vladimir Plahotniuc, Moldovan oligarch facing charges over a $1 billion bank fraud, is escorted by police after being extradited from Greece, in Chisinau, 25 September 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Moldovan oligarch sentenced to 19 years in prison over $1bn fraud<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888249-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2888249\" data-cid=\"9732196\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888249-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/21\/96\/320x180_cmsv2_89e49f6e-a115-5b71-b154-b5bc4a04d6bb-9732196.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Spanish flag and a Spanish far-right VOX party flag are waved during the far-right Patriots for Europe summit in Madrid, 8 February, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain&#8217;s far-right Vox returns to power in regional government<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2888184-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2888184\" data-cid=\"9731805\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2888184-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/18\/05\/320x180_cmsv2_da4fe70a-7c9b-5f3d-97e1-2fbcd195e56f-9731805.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Lawmakers in the Greek parliament in Athens, 5 March, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greek parliament lifts immunity of MPs probed in EU farm scandal<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887464-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887464\" data-cid=\"9728059\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spanish archaeologists find Homer&#8217;s Iliad poem in Egyptian tomb<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887991-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887991\" data-cid=\"9730865\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after three vessels fired on<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887964-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887964\" data-cid=\"9730620\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    German police launch raids against Syrian trafficking ring<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887941-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887941\" data-cid=\"9730577\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rome summons Russian ambassador over insults against Meloni<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887966-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887966\" data-cid=\"9730646\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israeli army jails soldiers for vandalising Jesus statue in Lebanon<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">P\u00e9ter Magyar&#8217;s incoming government will review a national defence plan for cheap European financing to rearm Hungary issued under the watch of Viktor Orb\u00e1n citing corruption concerns, Euronews has learned.A revision of the plan&#8217;s goals and scope in line with the priorities of the Magyar&#8217;s government is possible, and the European Commission has agreed to their request to review it and assess it before making taking further steps.The low-interest loan scheme was launched last year by Brussels to strengthen defence industries and military readiness across the bloc in response to the threat posed by Russia. SAFE will distribute \u20ac150 billion among 19 member states.Hungary submitted its plan, worth \u20ac16.2 billion, last December, detailing defence and dual-use projects. As the Commission has yet to approve the submission, experts from Magyar&#8217;s incoming government are now scrutinising it and may propose changes.&#8221;We will critically review the list submitted by the outgoing government and make decisions based on real needs and an assessment of corruption risks,&#8221; a source within the Tisza Party told Euronews on condition of anonymity.The corruption risks referred to are understood to relate to Hungarian industrial interests with ties to Viktor Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s outgoing government.National plans submitted to the Commission are treated as confidential given their sensitive nature. The Commission confirmed it is engaging with the incoming Hungarian authorities on the matter.&#8221;The Commission is, of course, open to engaging on the Hungarian SAFE plan with the incoming government,&#8221; Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier told Euronews, adding that the assessment of Hungary&#8217;s defence plan remains ongoing and will be approved once it is ready.Hungary&#8217;s plan last in the queueIn March, the Commission approved the Czech and French SAFE national plans, leaving Hungary&#8217;s submission as the last pending case. The Commission&#8217;s position at the time mirrored its current stance: that the plan was not yet ready for approval.Hungary subsequently wrote to the Commission requesting an update on the review&#8217;s status. The Commission responded by insisting that revisions were required.Hungary&#8217;s envelope of \u20ac16.2 billion was among the three largest requests, trailing only Poland and Romania, and exceeded France&#8217;s allocation \u2014 Paris sought \u20ac15.1 billion.Hungarian diplomats familiar with the matter maintain that the delay was politically motivated and that Budapest had met all the necessary criteria for a positive assessment.&#8221;Looking at the timeline, the Commission decided in early February not to approve the Hungarian plan before the elections. Until then, the procedure had followed the same pattern as with other member states,&#8221; a senior Hungarian official told Euronews on condition of anonymity.&#8221;Afterwards, the Commission went completely silent: no feedback, no questions, no justification \u2014 not even replies to official inquiries. This is not a regular procedure; it is an obvious political blockage,&#8221; the official added.The Commission this week rejected allegations that the Orb\u00e1n government&#8217;s SAFE plan had been held up for political reasons.&#8221;I firmly rebut the suggestion that it has been blocked for political reasons. We have not blocked any SAFE plan,&#8221; spokesperson Regnier said, noting that Hungary had been asked for revisions.High-level EU delegation visits BudapestOver the weekend, a senior European Commission delegation travelled to Budapest for initial informal talks with officials from Magyar&#8217;s incoming team.Ursula von der Leyen&#8217;s chief of staff, Bj\u00f6rn Seibert, led the EU delegation, which included several director-generals. The visit was notable given that discussions took place with Tisza Party officials who have not yet assumed formal governmental authority.Although the Director General for Defence Industry and Space, Timo Pesonen, was not present, Hungary&#8217;s SAFE plan featured in the discussions.Following the meeting, both sides expressed willingness to resolve the issue of Hungary&#8217;s frozen EU funds \u2014 worth \u20ac17 billion out of the \u20ac27 billion earmarked for Hungary in the current budgetary period.Magyar and Commission President von der Leyen had previously agreed to establish a direct communication channel between their teams to work towards unblocking the funds.Hungary stands to lose \u20ac10 billion in recovery funds if a deal is not reached by the end of August. Releasing frozen EU funds \u2014 blocked by Brussels during the Orb\u00e1n government over rule-of-law and anti-corruption concerns \u2014 was the central pledge of Magyar&#8217;s election campaign.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/04\/22\/exclusive-hungarys-new-government-to-review-orbans-eu-defence-plan-over-corruption-concern&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/69\/80\/49\/1200x675_cmsv2_d6268ad3-52ac-5dad-a512-91a18ecba4a6-9698049.jpg&#8221;] No Comment Aerial footage shows widespread destruction in southern Lebanon Europe News Son of Hungary&#8217;s outgoing prime minister discharged from military Europe News Spain&#8217;s far-right Vox returns to power in regional government Europe News Global Sumud Flotilla ready to new mission to Gaza No Comment Aerial footage shows widespread destruction in southern [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1896841","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1896841"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896841\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1896841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1896841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1896841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}