European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has defended her commission’s decision to release EU funds to Hungary in a speech to the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Budapest has passed legislation to strengthen judicial independence in Hungary, Leyen told the EU legislature.

“This is what we requested and this is what Hungary delivered,’’ she said.

In December, the commission released around €10 billion ($10.9 billion) in frozen EU funds to Hungary despite the ongoing allegations of abuse of power and corruption in the country.

Other funds worth almost €12 billion, and billions more in Coronavirus aid, remain blocked.

This is the case until Hungary fulfils all the necessary conditions, Ms von der Leyen said.

A group of EU lawmakers from across the political spectrum believe that if the commission has to release further funds to Hungary without the conditions being met.

Then, the parliament would reserve the right to take further political and legal action.

This could include a vote of no confidence in the commission.

If successful, it would require the commission, including Ms von der Leyen, to resign.

A resolution on the measures is to be voted on in Strasbourg on Thursday, and although it has little chance of success, anger is growing across the chamber.

Ms Leyen, a veteran German conservative politician, has been accused of allowing herself to be blackmailed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Mr Orban previously announced he would block an EU aid package for Ukraine if money was not forthcoming. 

(dpa/NAN)