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The European Commission has approved Hungary’s request to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), the EU’s investigative body for tackling fraud and corruption involving European funds.
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Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who campaigned on a promise to fight corruption, won a landslide victory in April’s parliamentary elections, ending Viktor Orbán’s 16 years in power.
EPPO will have the right to investigate alleged EU fund-related crimes dating back to 1 June 2021, when the body was established.
“Today brings good news for Hungary,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. “This is a welcome step in the fight against fraud and corruption. The people of Hungary will now have a safeguard in place to ensure EU funds work in their interest.”
“Hungary, welcome to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.”
The Commission’s formal approval clears the way for Hungary to become the EPPO’s 25th member later this year. A prosecutor will be appointed to work in the country, which must put forward three eligible candidates for the selection process and establish the necessary institutional framework.
Orbán’s government had previously rejected joining the EPPO, arguing that it would undermine Hungary’s sovereignty. The EU repeatedly accused the Orbán government of posing a systemic risk of corruption, as a result of which a large share of EU funds earmarked for Hungary was suspended.
Denmark and Ireland remain outside the EPPO, as both have opt-outs from EU cooperation on justice and home affairs.
