Hungary joins European Public Prosecutor's Office, unlocking EU funds
The European Commission approved Hungary's request to become the 25th member of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the move is a welcome step in the fight against fraud and corruption and will give the Hungarian people safeguards that EU funds are used in their interest. EPPO will have the authority to investigate alleged EU‑fund related crimes retroactively from 1 June 2021.
Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who ended Viktor Orbán's 16‑year rule with a landslide election win, also submitted a bill to create a National Asset Protection and Recovery Office. The new anti‑corruption body will investigate past abuses, recover unlawfully taken public assets and prevent future violations. The legislation coincides with the EU Council's approval of Hungary's national recovery plan, clearing the way for the release of about €10 billion in previously frozen EU funding.