Hungary Faces Deadline to Restore Erasmus+ Participation for Students
Political Commitments Meet Administrative Reality
Hungary risks missing early Erasmus return – Hungary is approaching a critical juncture in its efforts to reintegrate students into the European Union’s Erasmus+ exchange programme. Despite previous commitments from both Prime Minister Péter Magyar and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the restoration would occur on schedule, the window for action is narrowing considerably. Following Magyar’s electoral triumph in April, signals emerged from both the newly formed Hungarian administration and the Commission indicating readiness to welcome Hungarian students back into the scheme beginning with the September academic term.
However, without prompt administrative measures from Budapest, the Commission may struggle to remove the suspension before the new semester commences. The political will exists, but the bureaucratic machinery must now accelerate to match the ambitious timeline.
Background: The 2022 Suspension and Path to Restoration
The current situation stems from decisions made in 2022, when Brussels suspended funding for twenty-one Hungarian institutions operated by public interest trusts connected to the government. These measures were implemented following concerns regarding rule-of-law compliance and transparency standards. A significant portion of Hungarian universities consequently found themselves excluded from the prestigious exchange programme during this period.
Upon assuming office, Magyar’s administration took decisive steps to address these concerns by renationalising the public interest trusts. This move satisfied EU requirements for enhanced transparency within governing boards and improved decision-making processes. The suspension could potentially be lifted if Hungary satisfies the criteria established by the Conditionality Mechanism, an EU instrument designed to suspend payments when rule-of-law issues arise.
“As early as the next academic year – good news – Hungarian students can also be part of the Erasmus community again,” von der Leyen declared in May, announcing a political agreement with Magyar to release €16.4 billion in previously frozen EU funds designated for Hungary.
The August Submission Challenge
A Commission official, speaking anonymously to Euronews, expressed concern about the timing: “We don’t see how Hungary will be back in Erasmus+ anytime soon if Budapest doesn’t submit measures related to the Conditionality Mechanism early this summer, to unblock the funds.”
Diplomatic sources indicate that Hungary has already completed this specific set of “super milestones” but intends to delay submission until late August. This delay is strategic, as the milestones will be presented alongside a broader package comprising twenty-seven super milestones. Consequently, the Commission will likely be unable to reverse the ban before September. The matter currently rests with the Commission’s Directorate-General for Budget.
“We will find a solution, hopefully, so that from September onwards there will be Hungarian students who can take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Erasmus scholarship,” the prime minister stated during his first Brussels visit following the election victory.
Impact on Students and Universities
The Hungarian Ministry of Education and Children confirmed to Euronews that the affected universities have already submitted their Erasmus+ mobility applications for 2026 and therefore possess valid submissions. “The grant amounts granted to them conditionally are available, but they can only be used after the Council’s restriction is lifted,” the ministry explained.
Dr Loretta Huszák, a lecturer at Corvinus University, provided additional perspective on the situation: “The universities will have to organise the return to Erasmus in the autumn, and the conditions and funding for the next round of international mobility calls will come from the Erasmus fund.” She cautioned that this delay “could affect the 2027-28 academic year at the earliest.”
“Obviously not in full, as the application deadlines have already passed, but we will find a solution so that Hungarian students can study at the best universities in Europe through additional applications,” Magyar added, acknowledging the practical constraints while maintaining optimism.
The Pannónia Programme as Interim Solution
In the interim period, Hungary has introduced its own Pannónia programme, funded through the national budget. “The funds necessary for financing international student, faculty and staff mobility are currently available to the higher education institutions concerned under the Pannónia Scholarship Programme,” the Ministry for Education and Children stated.
The ministry further clarified that administrative preparations can commence even before EU approval. “The technical and administrative preparations necessary for concluding the grant agreements can already be started during the restriction. However, the signing of the agreements and the provision of the grant funds can only take place after the restriction adopted by the Council of the European Union is lifted.”
If Hungary chooses to submit the relevant milestones ahead of the August deadline, Brussels retains the possibility of unblocking the Erasmus+ file during the summer months. The coming weeks will prove decisive for Hungarian students hoping to participate in Europe’s premier academic exchange programme.
