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Vera Jourová, who oversaw rule of law and values during her time at the European Commission, has told Euronews that the current US administration worries her more than the threats posed by Russia or China.
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“In foreign policy, honestly, it’s the United States which scares me,” she said in comments to the Europe Today news programme.
But when it comes to events inside the European Union, she said she was happy by the outcome of Hungary’s recent elections.
“Not only that Viktor Orbán is leaving after so many years and after what he has done to Hungarians, but also that the democratic system worked. A changing of the guard happened in Budapest.”
Last Friday, Hungary’s new government struck a deal with Brussels to unlock billions of euros in EU funds that had been frozen over concerns about corruption and rule-of-law violations. However, Budapest now faces a demanding reform agenda and a tight timetable.
“He has a long list of things to do in a very short time,” Jourová said. “Most of the money should be used, committed and invested by August this year. This is a very short deadline.”
She said the conditions attached to the funds should not come as a surprise to Hungary’s new leadership.
“European taxpayers were urging us in the Commission to do more to protect the money going to Hungary, not to pay gifts for Viktor Orbán’s family and friends,” she said.
According to Jourová, some of the most difficult reforms will involve strengthening judicial independence and rebalancing powers within Hungary’s justice system. Changes to media regulation will also be required.
Beyond Hungary, Jourová also called for renewed momentum on EU enlargement, particularly in the Western Balkans, as European Council President António Costa begins a regional tour aimed at advancing accession talks.
“I meet many Western Balkan people and they are fed up with being in the waiting room for 20 years,” she said. “There must be some movement.”
She suggested that Europe’s strategic interests increasingly favour enlargement.
“Over time, I see that more and more we need them to join than they need Europe,” she said. “We need to have the courage to grow politically and geographically. We are under great pressure from outside.”
Watch the full interview in the player above.
