Hungary has officially launched preparations to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). It is an important step in the country’s relationship with European Union institutions and anti-fraud enforcement mechanisms.

According to a statement published by Hungary’s Permanent Representation to the European Union, the accession process is now underway and could be completed by 2027. The announcement follows a meeting on Friday between Justice Minister Márta Görög and EPPO Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruţa Kövesi, during which Hungary reaffirmed its commitment to becoming an active and constructive partner in the organisation’s work.

Government confirms commitment to EPPO membership

In its official statement, Hungary’s Permanent Representation to the EU said preparations for joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office had formally begun. The government indicated that accession could be finalised as early as 2027.

During talks with Laura Codruţa Kövesi, the former head of Romania’s anti-corruption prosecution service and current European Chief Prosecutor, Justice Minister Görög stressed that Hungary is ready to participate actively in the EPPO’s activities.

The development follows Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the end of May. At the beginning of their discussions, Magyar reportedly handed over Hungary’s official application to join the EPPO.

Following the meeting, the two leaders also announced a political agreement concerning EUR 16.4 billion in previously frozen EU funds. A day later, Magyar stated that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office could begin operating in Hungary as early as the beginning of 2027.

One of Tisza Party’s key campaign promises

Joining the EPPO was among the earliest and most prominent pledges made by the Tisza Party. The proposal has also enjoyed relatively broad public support in Hungary.

According to a public opinion survey conducted two years ago, even a significant share of Fidesz voters supported Hungary’s accession to the European anti-fraud body, Telex writes.

The move is expected to strengthen oversight of the use of EU funds and expand the tools available for investigating corruption and financial crimes affecting the EU budget.

What powers does the EPPO have?

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is a unique independent body responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes that harm the financial interests of the European Union.

Its remit includes:

  • Fraud involving the EU budget;
  • Misuse of EU funds exceeding EUR 10,000;
  • VAT fraud cases involving losses above EUR 10 million;
  • Cross-border VAT fraud schemes spanning multiple EU countries.

Unlike many EU agencies, the EPPO has the authority not only to initiate investigations but also to act as a prosecuting authority within national judicial systems.

One of the most significant aspects of Hungary’s planned accession is that the EPPO may be able to examine certain cases retrospectively, potentially opening new avenues for investigating suspected fraud and corruption involving EU resources.

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