The infringement procedure launched recently against Hungary is nothing other than revenge from Brussels, after Hungary made it clear that it will not redirect inclusion funds towards migration purposes.
Last autumn Brussels asked several EU Member States – Hungary amongst them – to use inclusion funds towards aiding migrants; the Hungarian government did not comply, but continued to spend the funds on Hungarian children in need.
When the EU made this decision the Hungarian explanations given at high-level meetings were not taken into account. Brussels clearly wants to punish Hungary because it has not supported the settlement of migrants in the country. The migration wave did not reduce Hungary’s tasks in inclusion and Roma integration, thus the country could not accede to EU officials’ requests to divert inclusion funds away from this area. On account of migrants, the European Union wanted to deprive the poorest in Hungarian society.
The decision is all the more surprising because the previous leadership of the EU – including those who were otherwise critics – had praised Hungary’s inclusion efforts.
Providing access to quality education in disadvantaged regions has been a long-standing need in Hungary. Hungary shall continue its efforts, despite the Brussels announcement.
Since 2010, the Hungarian government has established a funding chain from birth to university. In 2012, the Safe Start Children’s Homes – established with EU funding – have been integrated into the system, and the homes have since been funded from the state budget. There are currently 112 Safe Start Children’s Homes operating in Hungary. Since 2015 kindergarten attendance has been mandatory, and several meals there are provided for free, which has led to a significant improvement in disadvantaged children’s situation. In primary and secondary schools 14,000 children receive scholarships, while in higher education 250 Roma children receive support from the Christian Roma College Network.
Hungary’s request last autumn for emergency funding to increase the capacity of shelters for minors arriving in Hungary without adult companions was summarily rejected by the Union.