Norway has announced the resumption of financial cooperation with Hungary to support the democratic reforms being implemented by the government of Péter Magyár, following a period of aid suspension during Viktor Orbán's rule.
The Scandinavian country had previously suspended financial support to Hungary in 2014 when the Hungarian government was led by Orbán, due to non-compliance with agreements regarding fund management.
On Tuesday in Budapest, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, signed a new agreement with Hungary's Minister of Finance, András Karmán. This agreement stipulates an amount of 254.1 million euros.
The cooperation will be aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, and good governance, as well as ensuring press freedom.
After Péter Magyár's victory in the parliamentary elections in April, the European Commission proposed in September to unblock 4.2 billion euros for Hungary.
These funds were frozen due to various proceedings against Viktor Orbán's policies, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ rights and asylum seekers, as well as conflicts of interest situations.