EU Lifts Restrictions on Funding for Certain Hungarian Entities under Horizon Europe

 On 13 October 2026, the Council of the EU lifted the restrictions preventing certain Hungarian entities from receiving EU funding. As of 14 October 2026, the Hungarian entities concerned can once again participate in Horizon Europe projects as beneficiaries and receive EU funding. This change applies not only to newly prepared project proposals but also to ongoing projects and proposals in the Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP) phase.

The original restrictions applied to public interest trusts established under Hungarian Act IX of 2021 and entities maintained by such trusts.

What Changes for Horizon Europe Projects?

1. Ongoing Projects with Signed Grant Agreements

The Hungarian entities concerned may now also receive EU funding in ongoing projects, provided they meet the applicable eligibility conditions. However, changing their status within a project requires an amendment to the grant agreement, requested by the consortium.

 The following restrictions apply to such amendments:

•  Amendments to grant agreements cannot take effect retroactively before 14 October 2026.
•  The maximum EU grant amount established in an already signed grant agreement cannot be increased for the purpose of funding the entities concerned. Any such funding must therefore be secured through a redistribution of the existing project budget.

 2. Proposals in the Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP) Phase

 Hungarian entities that were previously included in project proposals as associated partners without EU funding due to the restrictions may now participate as beneficiaries and receive EU funding. Coordinators of affected project proposals are advised to contact their project officer in the responsible EU implementing body (Executive Agency, Joint Undertaking, European Commission).

 3. Proposals under Preparation

The Hungarian entities concerned may once again be included as beneficiaries in new project proposals, provided they meet all other eligibility conditions of the relevant call.

Further Information

The European Commission is preparing a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which will be published shortly on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Related Documents

• Council Implementing Decision lifting the measures concerning Hungary (Council document 13568/26), published on the Council of the EU website
•  Original Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/2506