On 13 October 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted an implementing decision ending the rule-of-law conditionality procedure against Hungary. The decision restores full access to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe for all Hungarian higher education institutions. It follows the European Commission’s proposal of 23 September to lift the protective measures adopted in 2022 (see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, September 2026), and it also releases EUR 4.2 billion in suspended cohesion funds. 

The measures, in place since December 2022, barred new EU funding commitments with Hungary’s public interest trusts (KEKVA) and the institutions they maintain, over concerns about transparency, conflicts of interest and political involvement in their governance. As a result, 21 universities could not sign new Erasmus+ grant agreements once the previous ones expired. Consequently, their students and staff were cut off from the programme’s mobility and cooperation opportunities for almost four years. The lifting of the measures follows reforms by Hungary’s new government, including steps to reduce conflict-of-interest risks in the public interest trusts pending their dissolution. 

Tempus Public Foundation, Hungary’s Erasmus+ National Agency and ACA member, confirmed that all the necessary grant agreements have now been signed. Regular student mobility is expected to resume in the second semester of the 2026/2027 academic year, while short-term and blended mobility and staff exchanges may start earlier. In addition, higher education institutions can once again take part in Erasmus+ partnership projects and apply for centrally managed funding. 

To mark the restoration of full access to Erasmus+, Tempus Public Foundation, Erasmus Student Network Hungary and the European Commission Representation in Hungary jointly organised an event in Budapest on 26 October, bringing together former and future Erasmus+ participants. For a panel discussion, European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Minzatu and Minister for Education and Children Judit Lannert joined the young people present. The discussion highlighted the programme’s contribution to developing critical thinking, broadening perspectives and strengthening European connections. “Erasmus+ is complete again with Hungarian students back on board,” Minzatu said. Further information about the event is available here.