Rule of law principle and the conditionality regime as a tool for protecting the EU's financial interests

Conditionality culture notion appearing in the literature expresses a growing tendency towards linking the provision of EU funds to the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, or to the application of financial sanctions for their violation. The presented text analyzes an emergence of the conditionality regime in European law and its connection to the rule of law concept. Using Hungary as an example, it shows how this instrument has been applied in three different legal regimes that are currently in force. It concludes with a summary and an outlook on future legislation that should be applied in the multiannual financial framework from 2028, while also offering recommendations on how current practice should be amended or supplemented.