A roundabout built near Zalaegerszeg in western Hungary, with 500 million forints ($1.5 million) of European Union funding, is currently sitting unused in a field, as the railway project it was meant to support has yet to be built.

The roundabout was constructed to serve a planned container terminal on a new railway line intended to improve freight access from the Adriatic coast into central and eastern Europe, bypassing Budapest.

However, years after its completion, there is still no railway in place, leaving the infrastructure without its intended purpose.

Critics of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán say EU-funded projects such as this reflect broader concerns over how European funds have been used during his 16 years in power.

They argue that while Orbán’s government has frequently criticised the European Union, it has continued to rely heavily on its financial support.

The EU has provided significant development funding to Hungary and other newer member states aimed at reducing economic disparities within the bloc.

Officials say Hungary has received funding for tens of thousands of projects over recent budget periods.

The Zalaegerszeg roundabout was intended to support logistics for a future container terminal linked to the planned railway, which is still in the procurement phase.

Reports suggest the railway may not be completed until 2029.

Local officials say the project remains incomplete but planned, with further infrastructure expected once the rail line is finished.

The issue has drawn political attention ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary election, with opposition figures accusing the government of corruption and mismanagement of EU funds.

The Hungarian government has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

EU funding for Hungary has also been partially frozen in recent years over concerns about the rule of law and governance issues, with billions of euros currently withheld.