Hungary Joins European Public Prosecutor’s Office Following Commission Approval
The European Commission has officially approved Hungary’s accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), a move aimed at safeguarding EU funds against financial crimes and corruption...
The European Commission has officially approved Hungary’s accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), a move aimed at safeguarding EU funds against financial crimes and corruption under Prime Minister Peter Magyar.
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A Strategic Shift in Budapest
The European Commission announced on Friday that it has approved Hungary’s entry into the EPPO. This decision integrates Budapest into the EU body tasked with investigating fraud, corruption, and financial crimes affecting the union’s financial interests.
This policy reversal marks a significant departure from the stance of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who previously refused to join the EPPO. Orban had framed the institution as a threat to Hungarian sovereignty, a position that critics argued hampered effective anti-corruption investigations within the country.
Normalizing Relations with Brussels
Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s decision to join the EPPO is part of a broader effort to normalize diplomatic and financial relations with the European Commission. The commitment was confirmed during a meeting between Magyar and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on May 29 in Brussels.
In exchange for structural adjustments, the Commission has signaled a willingness to unfreeze EU funds that had been withheld due to ongoing concerns regarding the rule of law and previous governmental abuses.
Broadening the European Judicial Net
Hungary now becomes the 25th member state to join the EPPO, leaving only Denmark and Ireland outside the structure due to their specific justice-related opt-outs. Poland joined the office in March 2024, a step that facilitated the closure of EU Article 7 proceedings against Warsaw.
Based in Luxembourg, the EPPO conducts independent cross-border investigations into VAT fraud, money laundering, and the misappropriation of EU budget funds. Its prosecutors are appointed for six-year terms, with potential extensions of up to three years granted by the Council of the EU.